Wireless power transfer device with foreign object detection, system, and method for performing the same

ABSTRACT

Methods and apparatus for detecting the presence of undesirable foreign matter in a region between a wireless power transmission apparatus and a power reception apparatus are described. First and second detection methods, based on different detection schemes, may be used to detect and distinguish the presence of foreign matter from misalignment during power transfer operation. A first detection method may be used before power is transferred to a load in a power reception apparatus, and a second detection method may be used while power is supplied to the load.

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a Continuation Application of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/649,726, filed Jul. 14, 2017, which is a Continuation Application ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/088,082, filed Mar. 31, 2016, nowU.S. Pat. No. 9,929,605, issued on Mar. 27, 2018, which is aContinuation Application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/408,082,filed Dec. 15, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,712,001, issued on Jul. 18,2017, which claims priority from National Stage Application No.PCT/JP2013/003724, filed Jun. 13, 2013 and Japanese Patent ApplicationNo.: 2012-141203, filed Jun. 22, 2012, the entire contents of whichbeing incorporated herein by reference

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present technology relates to processing devices, processingmethods, and programs, and particularly to a processing device, aprocessing method, and a program that enable efficient wireless powersupply.

BACKGROUND ART

In recent years, wireless power supply for wirelessly supplying powerhas been actively studied. As methods for wireless power supply, methodsusing a magnetic field are available. The methods using a magnetic fieldare roughly classified into electromagnetic induction methods andmagnetic-field resonance methods.

Electromagnetic induction methods are already being widely used. In themethods, the degree of coupling between a power transmission apparatuswhich transmits power and a power reception apparatus which receivespower is very high, and power can be supplied highly efficiently.

Magnetic-field resonance methods are methods in which a resonancephenomenon is actively used, and are characterized in that the number oflines of magnetic induction shared by a power transmission apparatus anda power reception apparatus may be small.

Both of electromagnetic induction and magnetic-field resonance aremethods for supplying power by using a magnetic field. Thus, the powertransmission apparatus includes a power transmission coil, which is acoil for transmitting power by using a magnetic field, and the powerreception apparatus includes a power reception coil, which is a coil forreceiving power by using a magnetic field.

With the magnetic coupling between the power transmission coil and thepower reception coil, power is supplied from the power transmissionapparatus to the power reception apparatus.

If foreign matter capable of receiving energy from a magnetic field,such as metal, is between the power transmission coil and the powerreception coil which are magnetically coupled to each other, an eddycurrent flows through the foreign matter and thereby heat is generated.Accordingly, energy is consumed and power supply efficiency decreases.

Under such circumstances, various methods for detecting foreign matterexisting between a power transmission apparatus and a power receptionapparatus have been suggested.

For example, PTL 1 describes the following technology. The current on apower transmission apparatus side is monitored, and, if the current isan eddy current, it is determined that foreign matter has been detected,and transmission of power from the power transmission apparatus isstopped.

CITATION LIST Patent Literature

PTL 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No.2001-275280

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

It is desirable to efficiently perform wireless power supply.

A processing device or a program according to an embodiment of thepresent technology may be a processing device including a detectorconfigured to detect foreign matter by determining, in a power receptionapparatus which receives power through wireless power supply from apower transmission apparatus which transmits power, whether or notforeign matter which affects the wireless power supply exists by using afirst detection method, before power supply to a load of power using thewireless power supply is started, and by determining whether or notforeign matter exists by using a second detection method, which isdifferent from the first detection method, while power is being suppliedto the load, or a program causing a computer to function as theprocessing device.

A processing method according to an embodiment of the present technologyis a processing method including detecting foreign matter bydetermining, in a power reception apparatus which receives power throughwireless power supply from a power transmission apparatus whichtransmits power, whether or not foreign matter which affects thewireless power supply exists by using a first detection method, beforepower supply to a load of power using the wireless power supply isstarted, and by determining whether or not foreign matter exists byusing a second detection method, which is different from the firstdetection method, while power is being supplied to the load.

According to an embodiment of the present technology, foreign matter maybe detected by determining, in a power reception apparatus whichreceives power through wireless power supply from a power transmissionapparatus which transmits power, whether or not foreign matter whichaffects the wireless power supply exists by using a first detectionmethod, before power supply to a load of power using the wireless powersupply is started, and by determining whether or not foreign matterexists by using a second detection method, which is different from thefirst detection method, while power is being supplied to the load.

The processing device may be an independent device, or may be aninternal block constituting a single device.

The program may be provided by being transmitted via a transmissionmedium or being recorded on a recording medium.

According to an embodiment of the present technology, wireless powersupply can be efficiently performed.

In some embodiments, a method for controlling power supplied to a loadof a wireless power reception apparatus comprises acts of receiving,wirelessly at a power reception coil of the power reception apparatus,power from a power transmission apparatus, and determining, by the powerreception apparatus and according to a first detection method, whetherforeign matter that adversely affects wireless power transmission ispresent between the wireless power transmission apparatus and the powerreception apparatus. The act of determining may be executed beforeapplying power from the power reception coil to the load. The method mayfurther include analyzing, by the power reception apparatus according toa second detection method different from the first detection method andwhile power is applied to the load, power transmission between thewireless power transmission apparatus and the power reception apparatus.

In some aspects of a method for controlling power supplied to a load ofa wireless power reception apparatus, the determining comprisesmeasuring, by the power reception apparatus, a Q value of the powerreception coil. In some variations of the method, the determining maycomprise measuring, by the power reception apparatus, an effectiveresistance value of the power reception coil. In some embodiments, thedetermining comprises receiving or not receiving, by the power receptionapparatus, an optical communication from the power transmissionapparatus. In some implementations, the determining may compriseprocessing, by the power reception apparatus, an image of a regionbetween the power transmission apparatus and the power receptionapparatus.

According to some embodiments of a method for controlling power suppliedto a load of a wireless power reception apparatus, the analyzing maycomprise acts of receiving, by the power reception apparatus, anindication of an amount of power transmitted by the power transmissionapparatus, and calculating, by the power reception apparatus, a ratio ofpower received by the power reception apparatus to the amount of powertransmitted by the power transmission apparatus. In someimplementations, the analyzing comprises measuring, by the powerreception apparatus, a temperature near the power reception coil.

In some embodiments, a method for controlling power supplied to a loadof a wireless power reception apparatus may further comprisetransmitting, by the power reception apparatus and responsive todetermining foreign matter that adversely affects wireless powertransmission is present, a stop signal to the power transmissionapparatus to indicate stopping the wireless power transmission. In someaspects, the method may further comprise providing a notification to auser of the power reception apparatus that an abnormal powertransmission condition is present.

Embodiments are also directed to a power reception apparatus configuredto receive power wirelessly from a power transmission apparatus. Thepower reception apparatus may comprise a power reception coil, a load, acontroller configured to control power supplied from the power receptioncoil to the load, and a foreign matter detector. The power receptionapparatus may be configured to determine, prior to applying power fromthe power reception coil to the load and according to a first detectionmethod, whether foreign matter that adversely affects wireless powertransmission is present between the power transmission apparatus and thepower reception apparatus. The power reception apparatus may be furtherconfigured to analyze, according to a second detection method differentfrom the first detection method and while power is applied to the load,power transmission between the wireless power transmission apparatus andthe power reception apparatus.

In some embodiments, the power reception apparatus is arranged to supplypower used to operate an electric vehicle.

In some implementations, the power reception apparatus is arranged tosupply power used to operate a home electronic appliance or a mobilephone.

According to some aspects of the power reception apparatus, theconfiguration to determine whether foreign matter that adversely affectswireless power transmission is present comprises a configuration tomeasure, by the power reception apparatus, a Q value of the powerreception coil. Additionally, the configuration to analyze powertransmission may comprise a configuration to receive, by the powerreception apparatus, an indication of an amount of power transmitted bythe power transmission apparatus, and calculate, by the power receptionapparatus, a ratio of power received by the power reception apparatus tothe amount of power transmitted by the power transmission apparatus.

According to some implementations of the power reception apparatus, theconfiguration to determine comprises a configuration to measure, by thepower reception apparatus, an effective resistance value of the powerreception coil.

In some embodiments, the configuration to analyze comprises aconfiguration to measure, by the power reception apparatus, atemperature near the power reception coil.

In some implementations, the power reception apparatus may furthercomprise a resistor configured to be switched across two terminals ofthe power reception coil so as to transmit a signal to the powertransmission device.

Embodiments further include at least one manufactured storage devicehaving machine-readable instructions that, when executed by at least oneprocessor that is configured to control power supplied from a powerreception coil to a load in a power reception apparatus, cause the atleast one processor to execute acts related to power management.According to the machine-readable instructions, the at least oneprocessor may determine, according to a first detection method andbefore applying power from the power reception coil to the load, whetherforeign matter that adversely affects wireless power transmission ispresent between a wireless power transmission apparatus and the powerreception apparatus. The processor may further analyze, according to asecond detection method different from the first detection method andwhile power is applied to the load, power transmission between thewireless power transmission apparatus and the power reception apparatus.

In some implementations, the machine-readable instructions that causethe at least one processor to determine whether foreign matter thatadversely affects wireless power transmission is present may compriseinstructions to measure a Q value of the reception coil.

According to some embodiments, the machine-readable instructions thatcause the at least one processor to determine whether foreign matterthat adversely affects wireless power transmission is present maycomprise instructions that cause the at least one processor to measurean effective resistance of the reception coil.

In some implementations, the machine-readable instructions that causethe at least one processor to analyze power transmission may compriseinstructions for determining a ratio of an amount of power received bythe power reception apparatus to power transmitted by the powertransmission apparatus.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of awireless power supply system according to an embodiment of the presenttechnology.

FIG. 2 is a diagram describing an efficiency-based foreign matterdetection method.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between positionalrelationships between a power transmission coil and a power receptioncoil (displacement of the power reception coil) and power efficiency(inter-coil efficiency).

FIG. 4 is a diagram describing a Q-value-based foreign matter detectionmethod.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of apower transmission apparatus.

FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram illustrating an example configuration of adriver circuit.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of apower reception apparatus.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart describing a wireless power supply processperformed in the wireless power supply system.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of aforeign matter detector.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart describing a wireless power supply processperformed in the wireless power supply system.

FIG. 11 is a diagram describing calculation of an appropriate threshold.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart describing a process of performing charging byusing wireless power supply in the wireless power supply system.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating another example configuration ofthe foreign matter detector.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart describing a wireless power supply processperformed in the wireless power supply system.

FIG. 15A is a block diagram illustrating another example configurationof the power reception apparatus.

FIG. 15B is a block diagram illustrating another example configurationof the power reception apparatus.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of acomputer according to an embodiment of the present technology.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Various types of apparatuses (objects) that consume power can be a powerreception apparatus, for example, mobile terminals, home electronicappliances that are installed in a fixed manner, such as televisionreceivers and refrigerators, and electric vehicles.

The power reception apparatus is not necessarily manufactured in view ofwireless power supply, and thus a certain amount of metal, which isforeign matter for wireless power supply, may be used for the casing ofthe power reception apparatus or components inside the casing.

In a case where metal, which is foreign matter for wireless powersupply, is used in (a part of) the casing of the power receptionapparatus, if it is determined whether or not the current on the powertransmission apparatus side is an eddy current, the metal contained inthe casing of the power reception apparatus is detected as foreignmatter even if no foreign matter exists between the power transmissionapparatus and the power reception apparatus, and power transmission fromthe power transmission apparatus may be stopped.

If power transmission from the power transmission apparatus is stoppedthough there is no foreign matter between the power transmissionapparatus and the power reception apparatus, power supply efficiencydecreases.

It is desirable to efficiently perform wireless power supply.

I. Wireless Power Supply System According to an Embodiment of thePresent Technology

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of awireless power supply system according to an embodiment of the presenttechnology.

Referring to FIG. 1, the wireless power supply system includes a powertransmission apparatus 11 and a power reception apparatus 12, andperforms wireless power supply using, for example, a method using amagnetic field, such as an electromagnetic induction method or amagnetic-field resonance method.

The power transmission apparatus 11 includes a power transmission coil,which is a coil for transmitting power using a magnetic field, andtransmits power.

The power reception apparatus 12 includes a power reception coil, whichis a coil for receiving power using a magnetic field, and receives powertransmitted from the power transmission apparatus 11 when being placednear the power transmission apparatus 11.

The power transmission apparatus 11 and the power reception apparatus 12have a foreign matter detection function of detecting foreign matterwhich affects wireless power supply.

Note that, regarding the foreign matter detection function, one of thepower transmission apparatus 11 and the power reception apparatus 12 mayhave the whole foreign matter detection function, or both of the powertransmission apparatus 11 and the power reception apparatus 12 may sharethe foreign matter detection function.

Examples of a system to which the wireless power supply systemillustrated in FIG. 1 is applied are as follows: a set of a cradleserving as the power transmission apparatus 11 and a mobile terminalsuch as a mobile phone serving as the power reception apparatus 12, aset of a charging stand serving as the power transmission apparatus 11and an electric vehicle serving as the power reception apparatus 12, anda set of a television rack serving as the power transmission apparatus11 and a television receiver serving as the power reception apparatus12.

In FIG. 1, only one power reception apparatus 12 is illustrated as apower reception apparatus which receives power from one powertransmission apparatus 11 through wireless power supply. Alternatively,there may be provided a plurality of power reception apparatuses whichreceive power through wireless power supply.

With a wireless power supply system including a plurality of powerreception apparatuses, the plurality of power reception apparatuses,such as mobile terminals, can be simultaneously charged by setting themon, for example, a tray (charging tray) serving as the powertransmission apparatus 11.

II. Foreign Matter Detection Method

FIGS. 2 to 4 are diagrams describing foreign matter detection methodswhich can be employed as a foreign matter detection function forwireless power supply.

The following methods are available as foreign matter detection methodsthat can be employed as a foreign matter detection function for wirelesspower supply.

That is, in addition to a method for detecting foreign matter bydetermining whether or not the current on a power transmission apparatusside is an eddy current, as described in the above-mentioned JapaneseUnexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2001-275280, a method fordetermining whether or not foreign matter exists by performing athreshold process on the temperature between the power transmissionapparatus 11 and the power reception apparatus 12 (hereinafter referredto as a temperature-based foreign matter detection method) is availableas a foreign matter detection method.

Also, a method for determining whether or not foreign matter exists byperforming a threshold process on change in load of the power receptionapparatus 12 viewed from the power transmission apparatus 11(hereinafter referred to as a load-based foreign matter detectionmethod) is available as a foreign matter detection method.

Furthermore, a method for determining whether or not foreign matterexists by determining whether or not optical communication can beperformed between the power transmission apparatus 11 and the powerreception apparatus 12 (hereinafter referred to as a light-based foreignmatter detection method) is available as a foreign matter detectionmethod.

Also, a method for determining whether or not foreign matter exists byusing an image of a region between the power transmission apparatus 11and the power reception apparatus 12 (hereinafter referred to as animage-based foreign matter detection method) is available as a foreignmatter detection method.

Furthermore, a method for determining whether or not foreign matterexists by performing a threshold process on power efficiency, whichrepresents the ratio of the power received by the power receptionapparatus 12 to the power transmitted from the power transmissionapparatus 11 (hereinafter referred to as an efficiency-based foreignmatter detection method), is available as a foreign matter detectionmethod.

Also, a method for determining whether or not foreign matter exists byusing a Q-value (quality factor) of the power reception coil of thepower reception apparatus 12 (hereinafter referred to as a Q-value-basedforeign matter detection method) is available as a foreign matterdetection method.

Furthermore, a method for determining whether or not foreign matterexists by using an effective resistance value of the power receptioncoil of the power reception apparatus 12 (hereinafter referred to as aneffective-resistance-based foreign matter detection method) is availableas a foreign matter detection method.

In the temperature-based foreign matter detection method, a temperaturesensor such as a thermistor is provided in the wireless power supplysystem, and if a temperature higher than or equal to a certain value isdetected by the temperature sensor, it is determined that foreign matterexists.

An example of the temperature-based foreign matter detection method isdescribed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No.2001-210182.

In the load-based foreign matter detection method, load modulation isperformed by the power reception apparatus 12, and change in load of thepower reception apparatus 12 viewed from the power transmissionapparatus 11 is detected by the power transmission apparatus 11 on thebasis of a modulation signal of load modulation performed by the powerreception apparatus 12. If no change in load is detected in a thresholdprocess regarding change in load of the power reception apparatus 12viewed from the power transmission apparatus 11 (a process of comparingthe change in load with a threshold), it is determined that foreignmatter exists.

An example of the load-based foreign matter detection method isdescribed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No.2008-206231.

In the light-based foreign matter detection method, opticalcommunication is performed between the power transmission apparatus 11and the power reception apparatus 12. If the optical communication isnot appropriately performed, it is determined that foreign matterexists.

An example of the light-based foreign matter detection method isdescribed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No.2001-112190.

In the image-based foreign matter detection method, for example, animage of a region between the power transmission apparatus 11 and thepower reception apparatus 12 is captured, the image obtained thereby iscompared with a pre-captured image of a portion having no foreignmatter, and thereby it is determined whether or not foreign matterexists.

In the efficiency-based foreign matter detection method, the voltage andcurrent, that is, the power of each of the power transmission apparatus11 and the power reception apparatus 12 is measured. If powerefficiency, which represents the ratio of the power of the powerreception apparatus 12 to the power of the power transmission apparatus11, is not higher than (or not higher than or equal to) a certainthreshold, it is determined that foreign matter exists.

In the temperature-based foreign matter detection method or thelight-based foreign matter detection method, for example, it isnecessary to provide a sensor for sensing temperatures or light to thepower transmission apparatus 11 or the power reception apparatus 12 suchthat the sensor is exposed to the outside. In this case, the design ofthe power transmission apparatus 11 or the power reception apparatus 12may be limited.

Furthermore, in a case where wireless power supply is performed by usinga magnetic-field resonance method, wireless power supply can beperformed in a wide range (the degree of freedom of the positionalrelationship between the power transmission apparatus 11 and the powerreception apparatus 12 is high). Thus, when the temperature-basedforeign matter detection method or the light-based foreign matterdetection method is employed in the power transmission apparatus 11 andthe power reception apparatus 12, many sensors are necessary and thecost may increase accordingly.

In contrast, in the efficiency-based foreign matter detection method,for example, it is only necessary to measure voltage and current in thepower transmission apparatus 11 and the power reception apparatus 12.This is advantageous in that many sensors are not necessary and thatdesign is not limited.

In the Q-value-based foreign matter detection method, a Q-value of thepower reception coil of the power reception apparatus 12 (Q-value of thepower reception coil viewed from the inside of the power receptionapparatus 12) is measured. If the Q-value is not larger than a certainthreshold, it is determined that foreign matter exists.

Here, a Q-value of a (series) resonance circuit constituted by a coil L(a coil whose inductance is L) and a capacitor C (a capacitor whosecapacitance is C) is expressed by equation (1).

Q=2πf _(r) L/r   (1)

Here, a resonance frequency is expressed by

f _(r)=1/(2π√{square root over ((LC))})

and the effective resistance value of the resonance circuit isrepresented by r. Hereinafter, the Q-value of the resonance circuit isalso referred to as a Q-value of the coil L.

When metal approaches the coil L, the effective resistance value rincreases, and accordingly the Q-value in equation (1) decreases.

In a case where the coil L is employed as the power reception coil ofthe power reception apparatus 12, the Q-value of the coil L as the powerreception coil is kept constant as long as a factor of fluctuatingf_(r), L, and r in the right side of equation (1), such as approach ofmetal, does not occur.

That is, in the power reception apparatus 12, metal is contained in thecasing thereof or in the components inside the casing in some cases, butthe positional relationship between the metal and the power receptioncoil may not change. Thus, the Q-value of the coil L as the powerreception coil does not change, although the Q-value is smaller than ina case where the casing contains no metal, due to the metal contained inthe casing or the components inside the casing.

Products for various applications, such as mobile terminals and electricvehicles, can be the power reception apparatus 12, and thus it isdifficult not to use metal as the material of the casing thereof.However, since the power transmission apparatus 11 is an apparatus forperforming wireless power supply, a configuration without metal can beemployed for the casing of the power transmission apparatus 11(particularly, a portion which the power reception apparatus 12approaches).

In this case, even if the power reception apparatus 12 is brought nearthe power transmission apparatus 11, the Q-value of the coil L as thepower reception coil of the power reception apparatus 12 does not changeor hardly changes, and the Q-value changes only when metal as foreignmatter approaches.

That is, the coil L as the power reception coil of the power receptionapparatus 12 has a unique Q-value because of an influence of metal orthe like contained in the casing of the power reception apparatus 12.The Q-value is kept constant (does not change) as long as metal is notbrought near the coil L.

Thus, on the basis of the unique Q-value of the coil L as the powerreception coil of the power reception apparatus 12 in a state wheremetal is not near the coil L (hereinafter referred to as a standardQ-value), alpha times (0<alpha<1) the standard Q-value is set as athreshold of the unique Q-value (hereinafter referred to as a thresholdQ-value), and a threshold process using the threshold Q-value isperformed on the Q-value of the coil L. Accordingly, metal as foreignmatter can be accurately detected.

As described above, it is difficult not to use metal as a material ofthe casing of the power reception apparatus 12, and various types ofpower reception apparatuses 12 having various casings containing metalmay be brought near the power transmission apparatus 11. Thus, theQ-value of the power transmission coil of the power transmissionapparatus 11 changes (decreases) when the power reception apparatus 12whose casing contains metal is brought near the power transmissionapparatus 11, as well as when metal as foreign matter exists near thepower transmission apparatus 11. Thus, it is difficult to distinguish,by using the Q-value of the power transmission coil of the powertransmission apparatus 11, a case where metal as foreign matter existsand a case where the power reception apparatus 12 whose casing containsmetal has approached.

In the effective-resistance-based foreign matter detection method, aneffective resistance value r of the power reception coil of the powerreception apparatus 12 (an effective resistance value r of the powerreception coil viewed from the inside of the power reception apparatus12) is measured. If the effective resistance value r is not smaller than(or smaller than or equal to) a certain threshold, it is determined thatforeign matter exists.

Here, in accordance with equation (1) and the above equation whichexpresses the resonance frequency f_(r),

f _(r)=1/(2π√{square root over ((LC))})

the effective resistance value r in a case where the coil L is employedas the power reception coil of the power reception apparatus 12 isexpressed by equation (2).

r=2πf _(r) L/Q=1/(2πf _(r) CQ)   (2)

Thus, the effective resistance value r can be calculated by using, forexample, the inductance L and the Q-value.

As in the case of a Q-value, the coil L as the power reception coil ofthe power reception apparatus 12 has a unique effective resistance valuer as long as metal is not brought near the coil L, due to an influenceof metal or the like contained in the casing of the power receptionapparatus 12. The effective resistance value r increases when metal isbrought near the coil L.

Thus, on the basis of the effective resistance value r of the coil L asthe power reception coil of the power reception apparatus 12 in a statewhere metal is not near the coil L, beta times (2>beta>1) the effectiveresistance value r is set as a unique threshold, and a threshold processusing the threshold is performed on the effective resistance value r ofthe coil L. Accordingly, metal as foreign matter can be accuratelydetected.

FIG. 2 is a diagram describing the efficiency-based foreign matterdetection method.

That is, FIG. 2 schematically illustrates positional relationshipsbetween the power transmission coil of the power transmission apparatus11 and the power reception coil of the power reception apparatus 12.

Referring to FIG. 2, in a three-dimensional coordinate system in whichthe horizontal direction corresponds to an x-axis, the depth directioncorresponds to a y-axis, and the vertical direction corresponds to az-axis, it is assumed that the power transmission coil is positioned atthe origin (0, 0, 0).

A state where the power reception coil is positioned at a point on thez-axis (0, 0, Z) is referred to as “the power reception coil faces thepower transmission coil” or “the power reception coil is in aface-to-face state”.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the z-coordinate of the power receptioncoil is fixed to a certain value Z for simple description.

When the power reception coil is in a face-to-face state, as illustratedon the left side of FIG. 2, power efficiency is the highest. Powerefficiency is the percentage of the power received by the powerreception apparatus 12 with respect to the power transmitted by thepower transmission apparatus 11. In FIG. 2, power efficiency may beapproximately 90% when the power reception coil is in a face-to-facestate.

When the power reception coil is displaced, as illustrated at the centerof FIG. 2, power efficiency decreases. Particularly, in theelectromagnetic induction method, change (decrease) in power efficiencycaused by a displacement can be significant.

When metal or the like as foreign matter exists between the powertransmission coil and the power reception coil, power efficiencydecreases even if the power reception coil is in a face-to-face state,as illustrated on the right side of FIG. 2.

In the efficiency-based foreign matter detection method, it is difficultto determine whether the cause of a decrease in power efficiency is adisplacement or the existence of foreign matter.

In FIG. 2, power efficiency is 60% when a displacement occurs, and powerefficiency is 70% when foreign matter exists.

In this way, the power efficiency in a case where a displacement occursmay be lower than the power efficiency in a case where foreign matterexists.

FIG. 3 illustrates the relationship between the positional relationshipbetween the power transmission coil and the power reception coil(displacement of the power reception coil) and power efficiency(inter-coil efficiency).

In FIG. 3, a coil of a 40 mm square may be used as the powertransmission coil, and a coil of a 30 mm square may be used as the powerreception coil, and the distance between the power transmission coil andthe power reception coil (the z-coordinate Z of the power receptioncoil) is 4 mm.

In FIG. 3, X and Y represent the x-coordinate and the y-coordinate ofthe power reception coil, respectively.

L1 represents the inductance of the power transmission coil when thepower reception coil is open (L2_open) and the inductance of the powertransmission coil when the power reception coil is short (L2_short).

k represents the coupling coefficient between the power transmissioncoil and the power reception coil, and Q1 and Q2 represent the Q-valueof the power transmission coil and the Q-value of the power receptioncoil, respectively.

In FIG. 3, S may be expressed by the following equation, and hereinafterreferred to as an S value.

s=k×√{square root over ((Q1×Q2))}

Inter-coil efficiency is a kind of power efficiency, and may be thepercentage of the power obtained by the power reception coil withrespect to the power supplied to the power transmission coil. Thetheoretical maximum value etâ of inter-coil efficiency may be expressedby the following equation.

η_(max) =S ²/(1+√{square root over ((1+S ²))})²

Here, examples of power efficiency include DC-DC efficiency, as well asinter-coil efficiency.

DC-DC efficiency is the percentage of the power which is calculated byusing DC voltage and current obtained from the power received by thepower reception coil of the power reception apparatus, with respect tothe power which is calculated by using DC voltage and current used totransmit power from the power transmission coil of the powertransmission apparatus.

Transmission efficiency in the power transmission apparatus in a casewhere power is transmitted to the power transmission coil from aposition where DC voltage and current are applied to transmit power fromthe power transmission coil, and transmission efficiency in the powerreception apparatus in a case where power is transmitted from the powerreception coil to a position where DC voltage and current are obtained,are defined as circuit efficiency. In this case, DC-DC efficiency can becalculated by multiplying inter-coil efficiency by circuit efficiency.

For example, in a case where a degree of freedom of about 10 mm is setin the x and y directions as the degree of freedom (allowance) of adisplacement of the power reception coil, power efficiency (inter-coilefficiency) is 85.5% at minimum, as illustrated in FIG. 3. Thus, in theefficiency-based foreign matter detection method, the threshold of powerefficiency used for detecting foreign matter may be set to be a valuesmaller than 85.5%, for example, 85%.

In this case, if power efficiency is not higher than 85%, which is thethreshold, it is determined that foreign matter exists.

For example, in a case where a degree of freedom of about 15 mm is setin the x and y directions as the degree of freedom of displacement ofthe power reception coil, power efficiency (inter-coil efficiency) is62.7% at minimum, as illustrated in FIG. 3. Thus, in theefficiency-based foreign matter detection method, the threshold of powerefficiency used for detecting foreign matter is set to be a valuesmaller than 62.7%, for example, 62%.

In this case, if power efficiency is not higher than 62%, which is thethreshold, it is determined that foreign matter exists.

Now, it is assumed that power efficiency is about 70% when the powerreception coil is in a face-to-face state and when foreign matterexists, as illustrated in FIG. 2. In this case, if the degree of freedomof displacement is set to be about 15 mm and if the threshold is set tobe 62%, as described above, power efficiency is 70%, which is higherthan the threshold of 62%, even if the power reception coil is in aface-to-face state and foreign matter exists. Thus, it is not determinedthat foreign matter exists, and foreign matter is not detected.

As described above, the accuracy of detecting foreign matter in theefficiency-based foreign matter detection method is not high.

Furthermore, in view of manufacturing variation of power reception coilsor other circuits of power reception apparatuses, it is necessary to usea smaller threshold of power efficiency (a value with which foreignmatter is unlikely to be detected) in order to ensure a certain degreeof freedom of displacement. In this case, the accuracy of detectingforeign matter in the efficiency-based foreign matter detection methodfurther decreases.

In order to increase the detection accuracy of the efficiency-basedforeign matter detection method, a method of not setting the degree offreedom of displacement or a method of limiting the degree of freedom toa small value may be used. In that case, however, the usability ofwireless power supply degrades.

As described above, in the efficiency-based foreign matter detectionmethod, the accuracy of detecting foreign matter and usability are in atrade-off relationship.

In this embodiment, it is assumed that the casing of the powertransmission apparatus 11 (particularly, a portion which the powerreception apparatus 12 approaches) has a configuration without metal (aconfiguration with which the Q-value of the power reception coil of thepower reception apparatus 12 does not fluctuate when the power receptionapparatus 12 approaches the power transmission apparatus 11), asdescribed above.

In this case, the positional relationship between the power transmissionapparatus 11 and the power reception apparatus 12 does not affect theQ-value of the power reception coil (Q2). Therefore, in FIG. 3, theQ-value of the power reception coil (Q2), that is, the Q-value of thepower reception coil viewed from the inside of the power receptionapparatus 12, is constant regardless of the position (X, Y) of the powerreception apparatus 12.

FIG. 4 is a diagram describing the Q-value-based foreign matterdetection method.

As described above, in the Q-value-based foreign matter detectionmethod, a threshold (threshold Q-value) is determined on the basis ofthe Q-value of the coil L in a state where no metal is near the coil Las the power reception coil of the power reception apparatus 12(standard Q-value), and a threshold process using the threshold Q-valueis performed on the Q-value of the power reception coil. Accordingly,metal as foreign matter is detected.

The power reception coil of the power reception apparatus 12 has aunique Q-value, due to an influence of metal or the like contained inthe casing of the power reception apparatus 12, as described above. TheQ-value of the power reception coil changes when metal is brought nearthe coil L, and is not affected by a displacement with respect to thepower transmission apparatus 11. Thus, with the Q-value-based foreignmatter detection method, foreign matter can be accurately detected whileusability being ensured, both in the electromagnetic induction methodand the magnetic-field resonance method.

An example of the Q-value-based foreign matter detection method isdescribed in Japanese Patent Application No. 2011-11417, which has beenfiled by the applicant of the present application.

In order to calculate the Q-value of the power reception coil, it isnecessary to apply a voltage to a series resonance circuit whichincludes the power reception coil as an element in the power receptionapparatus 12, and to measure necessary voltage and current.

The Q-value of the power reception coil (the series resonance circuitwhich includes the power reception coil as an element) is expressed byequation (3), in which V₁ represents the voltage applied to the seriesresonance circuit and V₂ represents the voltage applied to the powerreception coil.

Q=(V ₂ −V ₁)/V ₁  (3)

Here, the inductance of the power reception coil and the capacitance ofthe capacitor constituting the series resonance circuit, and theresistance value of an effective resistor (effective resistance value)are represented by L, C, and r, respectively, and it is assumed that avoltage of the resonance frequency f_(r) is applied to the seriesresonance circuit. In this case, the equation

j2πf _(r) L=1/(j2πf _(r) C)

is satisfied, and

(j=√{square root over ((−1))})

is satisfied, that is, the impedance of the power reception coil

j2πf _(r) L

and the impedance of the capacitor compensate each other. Thus, thevoltage V₁ applied to the series resonance circuit is equal to thevoltage V_(r) applied to the effective resistor.

The voltage V₂ applied to the power reception coil is equal to the sumof voltage drop v_(L) of the (ideal) power reception coil without aneffective resistor and voltage drop v_(r) of the effective resistor(v_(L)+v_(r)).

On the other hand, the current which flows through the power receptioncoil constituting the series resonance circuit and the current whichflows through the effective resistor are equal to each other, and thusthe following equation is satisfied.

v _(r) /r=v _(L)/(2πf _(r) L)

Thus, equation (1) is expressed by equation (4) by substituting theequation

v _(r) /r=v _(L)/(2πf _(r) L)

and by using the voltage drop v_(L) of the power reception coil and thevoltage drop v_(r) of the effective resistor.

Q=2πf _(r) L/r=v _(L) /v _(r)   (4)

The voltage V₁ applied to the series resonance circuit is equal to thevoltage v_(r) applied to the effective resistor, and the voltage V₂applied to the power reception coil is equal to the sum of the voltagedrop v_(L) of the power reception coil and the voltage drop v_(r) of theeffective resistor. Thus, the voltage v_(r) applied to the effectiveresistor is expressed by the voltage V₁ (=v_(r)), and the voltage dropv_(L) of the power reception coil is expressed by the voltage V₂−V₁(=v_(L)+v_(r)−v_(r)).

Accordingly, the Q-value in equation (4) is expressed by equation (3)(Q=(V₂−V₁)/V₁) by using the voltages V₁ and V₂.

Here, if the voltage applied to the series resonance circuit is thevoltage of the resonance frequency f_(r), the voltage drop v_(L) of thepower reception coil is sufficiently larger than the voltage v_(r)applied to the effective resistor in a typical case, and thus thevoltage V₂=v_(L) v_(r) is sufficiently larger than the voltage V₁=v_(r).Thus, the Q-value in equation (3) can be approximated by equation (5).

Q=V ₂ /V ₁  (5)

Alternatively, for example, the Q-value of the power reception coil (theseries resonance circuit including the power reception coil as anelement) can be calculated with a half-width method, by using theimpedance Z=V/I which is obtained by measuring a voltage V applied tothe series resonance circuit and a current I which flows through theseries resonance circuit.

That is, the Q-value can be calculated in accordance with the equationQ=f_(r)/(f_(H)−f_(L)) by obtaining a frequency f_(L) and a frequencyf_(H). The frequency f_(L) is lower than the resonance frequency f_(r)and the frequency f_(H) is higher than the resonance frequency f_(r)when the impedance becomes the square root of 2 times the impedance Z ina case where the frequency of the voltage applied to the seriesresonance circuit is the resonance frequency f_(r).

In the Q-value-based foreign matter detection method, a process of thefirst measurement of Q-values is performed, and then power is wirelesslysupplied from the power transmission apparatus 11 to the power receptionapparatus 12, as illustrated in FIG. 4.

After that, a process of the second measurement of Q-values, a processof the third measurement of Q-values, etc. are performed periodically ornon-periodically.

In the process of the first measurement of Q-values, in view of a casewhere the power reception apparatus 12 does not have a power source, thepower reception apparatus 12 is charged to obtain the power that isnecessary for performing the process of the first measurement ofQ-values.

That is, the power transmission apparatus 11 transmits power, and thepower reception apparatus 12 receives the power from the powertransmission apparatus 11 so as to be charged.

For example, after being charged with the power that is necessary forperforming one operation of measuring a Q-value, the power receptionapparatus 12 stops being charged and operates by using the powerobtained through the charging. Then, the power reception apparatus 12applies a voltage of a certain frequency f₁ to the power reception coil(series resonance circuit including the power reception coil as anelement) and measures a Q-value.

Subsequently, the power reception apparatus 12 starts being chargedagain. After being charged with the power that is necessary forperforming one operation of measuring a Q-value, the power receptionapparatus 12 stops being charged and operates by using the powerobtained through the charging. Then, the power reception apparatus 12applies a voltage of a frequency f_(n), which is higher than a frequencyf_(n-1) used in the preceding measurement of a Q-value, to the powerreception coil, and measures a Q-value.

In this way, the power reception apparatus 12 repeats charging andmeasurement of a Q-value, thereby obtaining Q-values for predetermined Nfrequencies, that is, frequencies f₁, f₂, . . . , and f_(N).

As the N frequencies f₁, f₂, . . . , and f_(N), frequencies in afrequency band in a certain range can be used, for example. The centerof the frequency band is a theoretical resonance frequency f_(r)expressed by

f _(r)=1/(2π√{square root over ((LC))})

which is calculated by using the inductance of the power reception coiland the capacitance C of the capacitor of the series resonance circuitwhich includes the power reception coil of the power reception apparatus12 as an element.

After obtaining the Q-values for the N frequencies f₁ to f_(N), thepower reception apparatus 12 starts being charged to perform thesubsequent process.

Then, the power reception apparatus 12 determines the maximum valueamong the N Q-values to be the Q-value of the power reception coil, anddetermines the frequency f₀ with which the Q-value was obtained to be aresonance frequency.

Furthermore, the power reception apparatus 12 stores the resonancefrequency f₀, and transmits the Q-value of the power reception coiltogether with a threshold Q-value to the power transmission apparatus 11by using load modulation or the like. Then, the process of the firstmeasurement of Q-values ends.

Here, it is assumed that the power reception apparatus 12 predeterminesa threshold (threshold Q-value) on the basis of the Q-value of the coilL in a state where metal as foreign matter is not near the powerreception coil of the power reception apparatus 12 (standard Q-value),and stores the threshold.

After the process of the first measurement of Q-values ends, power(power for the power reception apparatus 12 to perform a normaloperation) may be wirelessly supplied (transmitted) from the powertransmission apparatus 11 to the power reception apparatus 12.

In a process of the m-th measurement of Q-values performed thereafter,the power reception apparatus 12 is charged with the power that isnecessary to perform one operation of measuring a Q-value. After thepower reception apparatus 12 has been charged, the charging operationstops.

Then, the power reception apparatus 12 applies a voltage of theresonance frequency f₀ to the power reception coil, and measures theQ-value of the power reception coil.

Furthermore, the power reception apparatus 12 is charged to transmit theQ-value of the power reception coil to the power transmission apparatus11, and transmits the Q-value of the power reception coil together witha threshold Q-value to the power transmission apparatus 11 by using loadmodulation or the like. Then, the process of the m-th measurement ofQ-values ends.

On the other hand, the power transmission apparatus 11 intermittentlytransmits power to the power reception apparatus 12 as described above,and receives the Q-value of the power reception coil and the thresholdQ-value which are transmitted in the process of the m-th measurement ofQ-values.

Then, the power transmission apparatus 11 performs a threshold processof comparing the Q-value of the power reception coil with the thresholdQ-value. If the Q-value of the power reception coil is not larger thanthe threshold Q-value, the power transmission apparatus 11 determinesthat foreign matter exists, and stops transmitting power.

Here, the threshold process of comparing the Q-value of the powerreception coil with the threshold Q-value may be performed by the powerreception apparatus 12, instead of the power transmission apparatus 11.In this case, if the Q-value of the power reception coil is not largerthan the threshold Q-value, the power reception apparatus 12 determinesthat foreign matter exists, and transmits the determination result tothe power transmission apparatus 11.

The power transmission apparatus 11 stops transmitting power uponreceiving the determination result indicating that foreign matter existsfrom the power reception apparatus 12.

The power transmission apparatus 11 transmits power to the powerreception apparatus 12 in the above-described manner. However, while thepower reception apparatus 12 is measuring a Q-value in the process ofthe m-th measurement of Q-values, the power transmission apparatus 11temporarily stops transmitting power for the measurement.

That is, in the process of the m-th measurement of Q-values, the powertransmission apparatus 11 intermittently stops transmitting power, andthe power reception apparatus 12 measures a Q-value during a period inwhich transmission of power from the power transmission apparatus 11 issuspended. This is because it is difficult to accurately measure theQ-value of the power reception coil if electromotive force is generatedby the power reception coil of the power reception apparatus 12 inaccordance with the power transmitted from the power transmissionapparatus 11.

Therefore, in the Q-value-based foreign matter detection method, theaccuracy of detecting foreign matter is high, but the power transmissionapparatus 11 intermittently stops transmitting power, and thus thetemporal efficiency of wireless power supply is not high.

As described above, the Q-value-based foreign matter detection methodrealizes high accuracy in detecting foreign matter, but is notadvantageous in temporal efficiency of wireless power supply.

On the other hand, the efficiency-based foreign matter detection methodis not advantageous in the accuracy of detecting foreign matter.However, unlike in the Q-value-based foreign matter detection method, itis not necessary for the power transmission apparatus 11 tointermittently stop transmitting power, and thus the issue of temporalefficiency of wireless power supply does not arise.

Accordingly, in the wireless power supply system illustrated in FIG. 1,detection of foreign matter is performed with high accuracy and wirelesspower supply is efficiently performed without a loss of usability, byusing a new detection method in which both of the Q-value-based foreignmatter detection method and the efficiency-based foreign matterdetection method are used.

III. Example Configuration of Power Transmission Apparatus 11

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of thepower transmission apparatus 11 illustrated in FIG. 1.

Referring to FIG. 5, the power transmission apparatus 11 includes aresonance circuit 20, a DC power source 21, a driver circuit 22, awaveform detector 23, and a controller 24.

The resonance circuit 20 is a series resonance circuit constituted by apower transmission coil L₁ and a capacitor C₁, and is driven by thedriver circuit 22. When the resonance circuit 20 is driven, a magneticflux (magnetic field) is generated by the power transmission coil L₁,and the magnetic flux causes power to be transmitted to the powerreception apparatus 12 with the electromagnetic induction method or themagnetic-field resonance method.

The DC power source 21 supplies a certain DC voltage (current) to thedriver circuit 22.

The driver circuit 22 drives the resonance circuit 20 by using the DCvoltage supplied from the DC power source 21, and causes the powertransmission coil L₁ constituting the resonance circuit 20 to generate amagnetic flux, thereby transmitting power by using the electromagneticinduction method or the magnetic-field resonance method.

The waveform detector 23 detects, in accordance with the current orvoltage in the resonance circuit 20, information transmitted from thepower reception apparatus 12 using load modulation, and supplies theinformation to the controller 24.

The controller 24 controls the individual blocks constituting the powertransmission apparatus 11, including the driver circuit 22, on the basisof the information supplied from the waveform detector 23.

FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram illustrating an example configuration of thedriver circuit 22 illustrated in FIG. 5.

Referring to FIG. 6, the driver circuit 22 is constituted by afull-bridge circuit.

That is, the driver circuit 22 includes a gate drive circuit 31, andfield effect transistors (FETs) 32, 33, 34, and 35 of negative channelmetal oxide semiconductor (NMOS).

The gate drive circuit 31 applies a certain voltage to the gates of theFETs 32 to 35 in accordance with the control performed by the controller24, thereby turning ON/OFF the FETs 32 to 35.

The drain of the FET 32 is connected to the DC power source 21.Accordingly, a certain DC voltage output from the DC power source 21 isapplied to the drain of the FET 32.

The source of the FET 32 is connected to the drain of the FET 33, andthe source of the FET 33 is grounded (connected to the ground).

The FETs 34 and 35 are connected in a similar manner to the FETs 32 and33.

That is, the drain of the FET 34 is connected to the DC power source 21,and the source of the FET 34 is connected to the drain of the FET 35.The source of the FET 35 is grounded.

Furthermore, one end of the resonance circuit 20 is connected to aconnection point P1 between the source of the FET 32 and the drain ofthe FET 33, and the other end of the resonance circuit 20 is connectedto a connection point P2 between the source of the FET 34 and the drainof the FET 35.

In the resonance circuit 20 illustrated in FIG. 6, one end of the powertransmission coil L₁ is connected to one end of the capacitor C₁. Theother end of the capacitor C₁ is connected to the connection point P1between the source of the FET 32 and the drain of the FET 33, and theother end of the power transmission coil L₁ is connected to theconnection point P2 between the source of the FET 34 and the drain ofthe FET 35.

In the driver circuit 22 having the above-described configuration, thegate drive circuit 31 applies a certain voltage to the gates of the FETs32 to 35, thereby controlling the FETs 32 to 35 to turn them ON/OFF.

Accordingly, the FETs 32 and 33 complementarily and periodically comeinto an ON-state and an OFF-state.

That is, the FET 32 periodically and alternately comes into an ON-stateand an OFF-state.

When the FET 32 comes into an ON-state, the FET 33 comes into anOFF-state. When the FET 32 comes into an OFF-state, the FET 33 comesinto an ON-state.

The set of the FETs 34 and 35 complementarily and periodically comesinto an ON-state and an OFF-state with respect to the set of the FETs 32and 33.

That is, when the FET 32 comes into an ON-state and the FET 33 comesinto an OFF-state, the FET 34 comes into an OFF-state and the FET 35comes into an ON-state.

Furthermore, when the FET 32 comes into an OFF-state and the FET 33comes into an ON-state, the FET 34 comes into an ON-state and the FET 35comes into an OFF-state.

For example, regarding the FET 32, when the FET 32 is in an ON-state,the FET 33 is in an OFF-state, the FET 34 is in an OFF-state, and theFET 35 is in an ON-state.

As a result, at the connection point P1 between the source of the FET 32and the drain of the FET 33, the level becomes high (H), whichcorresponds to a certain DC voltage output from the DC power source 21.At the connection point P2 between the source of the FET 34 and thedrain of the FET 35, the level becomes low (L), which corresponds to aground level.

Thus, in the resonance circuit 20, current flows from the connectionpoint P1 toward the connection point P2 through the capacitor C₁ and thepower transmission coil

On the other hand, when the FET 32 is in an OFF-state, the FET 33 is inan ON-state, the FET 34 is in an ON-state, and the FET 35 is in anOFF-state.

As a result, at the connection point P2 between the source of the FET 34and the drain of the FET 35, the level becomes high (H), whichcorresponds to a certain DC voltage output from the DC power source 21.At the connection point P1 between the source of the FET 32 and thedrain of the FET 33, the level becomes low (L), which corresponds to aground level.

Thus, in the resonance circuit 20, current flows from the connectionpoint P2 toward the connection point P1 through the power transmissioncoil L₁ and the capacitor C₁.

In the above-described manner, an AC voltage of a period in which theFETs 32 to 35 come into an ON-state (or OFF-state) is applied to theresonance circuit 20, and an alternating current of a similar periodflows in accordance with the application of the AC voltage.

While an AC voltage is being applied to the resonance circuit 20, amagnetic flux is continuously generated by the power transmission coilL₁, and the magnetic flux causes power to be transmitted.

The period in which the FETs 32 to 35 come into an ON-state (orOFF-state) is set to be, for example, the reciprocal of the resonancefrequency of the resonance circuit 20

1/(2π√{square root over ((L ₁ C ₁))})

on the basis of the resonance frequency of the resonance circuit 20.

In FIG. 6, a full-bridge circuit is employed as the driver circuit 22.Alternatively, for example, a half-bridge circuit, a class E amplifiercircuit, or the like may be employed as the driver circuit 22.

IV. Example Configuration of Power Reception Apparatus 12

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of thepower reception apparatus 12 illustrated in FIG. 1.

Referring to FIG. 7, the power reception apparatus 12 includes aresonance circuit 40, a rectifier 41, a communication unit 42, aregulator 43, a load 44, a controller 45, and a foreign matter detector46.

The resonance circuit 40 is a series resonance circuit constituted by apower reception coil L₂ and a capacitor C₂, and is connected to therectifier 41.

In the resonance circuit 40, a magnetic flux generated by the powertransmission coil L₁ of the power transmission apparatus 11 (FIG. 5)flows through the power reception coil L₂, and accordingly current flowsthrough the power reception coil L₂ and also through the resonancecircuit 40. Accordingly, the power transmitted from the powertransmission apparatus 11 is received.

The rectifier 41 is constituted by, for example, a bridge rectifiercircuit or the like. The rectifier 41 rectifies a current (voltage)which flows through the resonance circuit 40, and supplies the current(voltage) to the regulator 43 via the communication unit 42.

The communication unit 42 includes, for example, an FET and a resistor.The FET comes into an ON-state or an OFF-state in accordance with thecontrol performed by the controller 45, so that the resistor isconnected to or disconnected from the resonance circuit 40 via therectifier 41.

When the resistor is connected to or disconnected from the resonancecircuit 40, the impedance of the resonance circuit 40 serving as a loadviewed from the (external) power transmission apparatus 11 changes, andload modulation is performed on the current which flows through theresonance circuit 20 of the power transmission apparatus 11 (FIG. 5).

The regulator 43 stabilizes the current (voltage) supplied from therectifier 41 via the communication unit 42, and supplies the current(voltage) to the load 44.

The load 44 is a circuit which uses the power transmitted throughwireless power supply, such as a battery.

The controller 45 controls supply of power (voltage and current) fromthe regulator 43 to the load 44 on the basis of a detection(determination) result about foreign matter notified from the foreignmatter detector 46.

That is, the controller 45 controls the regulator 43, and therebybasically causes the regulator 43 to supply power to the load 44.

Note that, in a case where a detection result indicting that foreignmatter exists is supplied from the foreign matter detector 46, or inanother necessary case, the controller 45 controls the regulator 43 tostop supplying power to the load 44.

Also, the controller 45 causes the FET of the communication unit 42 tocome into an ON-state or an OFF-state, thereby transmitting necessaryinformation to the power transmission apparatus 11 by using loadmodulation.

The foreign matter detector 46 detects foreign matter by using the newdetection method, and supplies the detection result to the controller45.

That is, the foreign matter detector 46 determines whether or notforeign matter which affects wireless power supply exists, by using afirst detection method before wireless power supply to the load 44starts.

If it is determined with the first detection method that no foreignmatter exists, the power transmitted through wireless power supply issupplied to the load 44 via the resonance circuit 40, the rectifier 41,the communication unit 42, and the regulator 43.

While power is being supplied to the load 44, the foreign matterdetector 46 determines whether or not foreign matter exists by using asecond detection method, which is different from the first detectionmethod.

If the foreign matter detector 46 determines that foreign matter exists,the foreign matter detector 46 supplies a detection result indicatingthat foreign matter exists to the controller 45.

In the power reception apparatus 12, the controller 45 and the foreignmatter detector 46 constitute a processing device which performs aprocess related to foreign matter (foreign matter processing device).

FIG. 8 is a flowchart describing a wireless power supply processperformed in the wireless power supply system illustrated in FIG. 1, inwhich foreign matter detection is performed using the new detectionmethod.

In step S11, the power transmission apparatus 11 starts transmittingpower, and the process proceeds to step S12.

Here, the power transmission apparatus 11 starts transmitting power uponrecognizing that the power reception apparatus 12 has come near thepower transmission apparatus 11.

The power transmission apparatus 11 is capable of recognizing theapproach of the power reception apparatus 12 by, for example, performingpolling and receiving a response to the polling from the power receptionapparatus 12.

Also, the power transmission apparatus 11 is capable of recognizing theapproach of the power reception apparatus 12 when the power receptionapparatus 12 is placed on the power transmission apparatus 11 andthereby a mechanical switch provided on the power transmission apparatus11 is pressed, or when the weight of the power reception apparatus 12 issensed by a weight sensor.

Furthermore, transmission of power by the power transmission apparatus11 can be started by, for example, a user operation of a switch oranother trigger.

Just after the power transmission apparatus 11 has started transmittingpower, the controller 45 of the power reception apparatus 12 (FIG. 7)controls the regulator 43, thereby stopping power supply to the load 44.

In step S12, the foreign matter detector 46 of the power receptionapparatus 12 (FIG. 7) performs foreign matter detection by determiningwhether or not foreign matter exists by using the first detectionmethod, before wireless power supply to the load 44 starts. Then, theprocess proceeds to step S13.

In step S13, the foreign matter detector 46 determines whether or notforeign matter has been detected by using the first detection method.

If it is determined in step S13 that foreign matter has been detected,the process proceeds to step S18, where the controller 45 of the powerreception apparatus 12 (FIG. 7) controls the communication unit 42 so asto transmit a detection message indicating that foreign matter has beendetected to the power transmission apparatus 11.

Furthermore, in step S18, the power transmission apparatus 11 receivesthe detection message from the power reception apparatus 12, and ends(stops) transmitting power in response to the detection message. Thatis, in the power transmission apparatus 11, the controller 24 controlsthe driver circuit 22 to stop transmission of power from the resonancecircuit 20.

Subsequently, the process proceeds from step S18 to step S19, where atleast one of the power transmission apparatus 11 and the power receptionapparatus 12 notifies the user that foreign matter exists. Furthermore,if necessary, an abnormality notification process for requesting theuser to remove the foreign matter (display of a message indicating thatforeign matter exists or turning on of a lamp indicting that foreignmatter exists) is performed, and the wireless power supply process ends.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S13 that no foreignmatter has been detected by using the first detection method, theprocess proceeds to step S14, where the controller 45 of the powerreception apparatus 12 (FIG. 7) controls the regulator 43 to start powersupply to the load 44. Then, the process proceeds to step S15.

In step S15, the foreign matter detector 46 of the power receptionapparatus 12 (FIG. 7) performs foreign matter detection by determiningwhether or not foreign matter exists by using the second detectionmethod. Then, the process proceeds to step S16.

In step S16, the foreign matter detector 46 determines whether or notforeign matter has been detected by using the second detection method.

If it is determined in step S16 that no foreign matter has beendetected, the process returns to step S15, and the same process isrepeated.

In this way, after power supply to the load 44 starts after it isdetermined that no foreign matter exists by using the first detectionmethod, the foreign matter detector 46 performs foreign matter detectionby using the second detection method, which is different from the firstdetection method, while power is being supplied to the load 44.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S16 that foreign matterhas been detected by using the second detection method, the processproceeds to step S17, where the controller 45 of the power receptionapparatus 12 (FIG. 7) controls the regulator 43 to stop power supply tothe load 44.

Then, the process returns from step S17 to step S12, and the sameprocess is repeated.

In this way, if foreign matter is detected by using the second detectionmethod, foreign matter detection is performed again by using the firstdetection method.

If no foreign matter is detected by using the first detection method,power supply to the load 44 is restarted in step S14.

On the other hand, if foreign matter is detected by using the firstdetection method, the power transmission apparatus 11 ends transmittingpower in step S18, and an abnormality notification process is performedin step S19.

Here, a detection method in which the accuracy of detecting foreignmatter is higher than the second detection method can be employed as thefirst detection method.

On the other hand, as the second detection method, a detection methodwith which foreign matter detection can be performed even when power isbeing supplied to the load 44, that is, even when power is beingtransmitted by the power transmission apparatus 11, can be employed. Theaccuracy of detecting foreign matter of the second detection method maybe lower than that of the first detection method.

An example of the first detection method is the Q-value-based foreignmatter detection method, and an example of the second detection methodis the efficiency-based foreign matter detection method.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of theforeign matter detector 46 illustrated in FIG. 7.

That is, FIG. 9 illustrates an example configuration of the foreignmatter detector 46 in a case where the Q-value-based foreign matterdetection method is used as the first detection method and theefficiency-based foreign matter detection method is used as the seconddetection method.

In FIG. 9, the foreign matter detector 46 includes a Q-value measuringunit 51, an efficiency measuring unit 52, and a determining unit 53.

The Q-value measuring unit 51 applies a certain voltage to the resonancecircuit 40, which is constituted by the power reception coil L₂ and thecapacitor C₂.

Furthermore, the Q-value measuring unit 51 measures a voltage V₁ appliedto the resonance circuit 40, that is, voltage drop of the powerreception coil L₂ and the capacitor C₂ which are connected in series,and a voltage V₂ applied to the power reception coil L₂, that is,voltage drop of the power reception coil L₂.

Also, the Q-value measuring unit 51 measures the Q-value of the powerreception coil L₂ (the resonance circuit 40 including the powerreception coil L₂ as an element) in accordance with equation (3) or (5)by using the voltages V₁ and V₂, and supplies the Q-value to thedetermining unit 53.

The efficiency measuring unit 52 measures the current and voltage on theoutput side of the rectifier 41 (the side on which rectified current andvoltage are output), and obtains, by using the current and voltage, thevalue of DC power obtained by the power reception apparatus 12 throughwireless power supply (hereinafter referred to as reception DC power).

Furthermore, the efficiency measuring unit 52 obtains the value of DCpower used for wireless power supply by the power transmission apparatus11 (hereinafter referred to as transmission DC power).

Here, the efficiency measuring unit 52 requests the value oftransmission DC power to the controller 45 via the determining unit 53.The controller 45 controls the communication unit 42 in response to therequest from the efficiency measuring unit 52, thereby transmitting arequest message for requesting the value of transmission DC power to thepower transmission apparatus 11 by using load modulation.

In the power transmission apparatus 11, the controller 24 (FIG. 5)receives the request message from the power reception apparatus 12 viathe waveform detector 23, obtains the value of transmission DC power inaccordance with the voltage and current of the DC power source 21 inresponse to the request message, and transmits the value of transmissionDC power to the power reception apparatus 12.

Transmission of the value of transmission DC power from the powertransmission apparatus 11 to the power reception apparatus 12 isperformed by, for example, controlling the driver circuit 22 by thecontroller 24 to modulate the amplitude of the current flowing throughthe resonance circuit 20.

The efficiency measuring unit 52 calculates the ratio of the receptionDC power to the transmission DC power, the ratio being regarded as powerefficiency (DC-DC efficiency), and supplies the ratio to the determiningunit 53.

The determining unit 53 performs foreign matter detection bydetermining, with the Q-value-based foreign matter detection method,whether or not foreign matter exists by using the Q-value of the powerreception coil L₂ received from the Q-value measuring unit 51, andsupplies the detection result to the controller 45.

That is, the determining unit 53 stores, in a memory provided therein(not illustrated), a threshold Q-value unique to the power receptionapparatus 12, and performs a threshold process of comparing the Q-valueof the power reception coil L₂ received from the Q-value measuring unit51 with the threshold Q-value.

If the Q-value of the power reception coil L₂ is larger than thethreshold Q-value, the determining unit 53 determines that no foreignmatter exists. If the Q-value of the power reception coil L₂ is notlarger than the threshold Q-value, the determining unit 53 determinesthat foreign matter exists.

Also, the determining unit 53 performs foreign matter detection bydetermining, with the efficiency-based foreign matter detection method,whether or not foreign matter exists by using the power efficiencyreceived from the efficiency measuring unit 52 (hereinafter referred toas measured power efficiency), and supplies the detection result to thecontroller 45.

That is, the determining unit 53 performs a threshold process ofcomparing the measured power efficiency received from the efficiencymeasuring unit 52 with a certain threshold of power efficiency.

If the measured power efficiency is higher than the certain threshold,the determining unit 53 determines that no foreign matter exists. If themeasured power efficiency is not higher than the certain threshold, thedetermining unit 53 determines that foreign matter exists.

Examples of the certain threshold used for the threshold process formeasured power efficiency include a worst threshold and an appropriatethreshold.

A worst threshold is preset to be a certain value under the assumptionof a certain case. For example, measured power efficiency is inferred tobe higher than or equal to the certain value as long as no foreignmatter exists in the worst case of the allowance of displacement of (thepower reception coil L₂ of) the power reception apparatus 12 (the casewhere a displacement is the maximum), but measured power efficiency isinferred to be lower than the certain value if foreign matter exists.

If the measured power efficiency is not higher than the worst threshold,a displacement may be beyond the allowance or foreign matter (almost)certainly exists.

An appropriate threshold may be a threshold of power efficiency which isappropriate for detecting foreign matter in the situation of thewireless power supply system when it is determined that no foreignmatter exists by using the first detection method (hereinafter referredto as a system situation), and may be calculated with the Q-value-basedforeign matter detection method by using the power efficiency which maybe measured immediately after it is determined that no foreign matterexists.

Since the detection accuracy of the Q-value-based foreign matterdetection method may be high, it is (almost) certainly ensured that noforeign matter exists immediately after it is determined that no foreignmatter exists by using the Q-value-based foreign matter detectionmethod.

Thus, the power efficiency which may be measured immediately after it isdetermined that no foreign matter exists by using the Q-value-basedforeign matter detection method (hereinafter referred to as immediateefficiency) can be regarded as power efficiency which may be obtainedwhen no foreign matter exists in a current displacement state. As longas the current displacement is maintained and as long as no foreignmatter exists, it is less likely that the measured power efficiencyobtained thereafter will be much lower than the immediate efficiency.

Accordingly, in this embodiment, the immediate efficiency may be used,and, for example, a value slightly smaller than the immediate efficiencymay be calculated as an appropriate threshold.

For example, a value obtained by multiplying a certain value which maybe smaller than one and approximate to one (for example, 0.9) by theimmediate efficiency, or a value obtained by subtracting, from theimmediate efficiency, a certain value (for example, 10%) determinedbased on fluctuation of power efficiency, which is inferred to occurregardless of presence/absence of foreign matter, in view of a certainmargin, may be calculated as an appropriate threshold.

Regarding the efficiency-based foreign matter detection method, which isused as the second detection method, the determining unit 53 performs athreshold process using the above-described worst threshold (firstthreshold process) and a threshold process using the above-describedappropriate threshold (second threshold process).

The values used as the worst threshold and the appropriate threshold areset so that foreign matter is invariably detected by using theappropriate threshold if foreign matter is detected by using the worstthreshold.

For example, regarding the efficiency-based foreign matter detectionmethod, the values of the worst threshold and the appropriate thresholdare set so that the appropriate threshold is larger than or equal to theworst threshold. Thus, if the appropriate threshold which may becalculated on the basis of the immediate efficiency is smaller than theworst threshold, the appropriate threshold may be set to be the samevalue as the worst threshold.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart describing a wireless power supply processperformed in the wireless power supply system illustrated in FIG. 1 in acase where the foreign matter detector 46 has the configurationillustrated in FIG. 9.

That is, FIG. 10 is a flowchart describing a wireless power supplyprocess in a case where the Q-value-based foreign matter detectionmethod may be used as the first detection method and theefficiency-based foreign matter detection method may be used as thesecond detection method.

When the power reception apparatus 12 approaches the power transmissionapparatus 11, the power transmission apparatus 11 starts transmittingpower in step S21, as in step S11 in FIG. 8, and the process proceeds tostep S22.

In step S22, before wireless power supply to the load 44 starts, theQ-value measuring unit 51 of the power reception apparatus 12 (FIG. 9)measures the Q-value of the power reception coil L₂ in order to performforeign matter detection by using the Q-value-based foreign matterdetection method, which is the first detection method.

Here, while the Q-value measuring unit 51 is measuring the Q-value ofthe power reception coil L₂ (measuring the voltages V₁ and V₂ necessaryfor obtaining the Q-value), the power transmission apparatus 11temporarily stops transmitting power, as described above with referenceto FIG. 4.

Measurement of the Q-value of the power reception coil L₂ in step S22may be performed a plurality of times when the process returns from stepS34 (described below) to step S22. In the m-th step S22, for example,the process of the m-th measurement of Q-values described above withreference to FIG. 4 is performed.

In any step S22, the process of the first measurement of Q-valuesdescribed above with reference to FIG. 4 can be performed.

In step S22, the Q-value measuring unit 51 measures the Q-value of thepower reception coil L₂, and supplies the Q-value obtained through themeasurement (hereinafter referred to as measured Q-value) to thedetermining unit 53. Then, the process proceeds to step S23.

In step S23, the determining unit 53 determines whether or not foreignmatter has been detected by using the measured Q-value received from theQ-value measuring unit 51, in accordance with the Q-value-based foreignmatter detection method serving as the first detection method.

That is, in step S23, the determining unit 53 performs a thresholdprocess of comparing the measured Q-value received from the Q-valuemeasuring unit 51 with the threshold Q-value, and determines whether ornot the measured Q-value is larger than the threshold Q-value.

If it is determined in step S23 that the measured Q-value is not largerthan the threshold Q-value, the determining unit 53 determines thatforeign matter exists, and supplies a detection result indicating thatforeign matter has been detected to the controller 45 (FIG. 9). Then,the process proceeds to step S24.

In step S24, as in step S18 in FIG. 8, the power transmission apparatus11 stops (ends) transmitting power.

That is, in step S24, the controller 45 of the power reception apparatus12 controls the communication unit 42 to transmit a detection messageindicating that foreign matter has been detected to the powertransmission apparatus 11. Furthermore, in step S24, the powertransmission apparatus 11 receives the detection message from the powerreception apparatus 12, and ends transmitting power in response to thedetection message.

Subsequently, the process proceeds from step S24 to step S25, where anabnormality notification process may be performed as in step S19 in FIG.8, and then the wireless power supply process ends.

It is likely that foreign matter such as metal will be inserted betweenthe power transmission apparatus 11 and the power reception apparatus 12when the power reception apparatus 12 approaches the power transmissionapparatus 11. Furthermore, the threshold used in the efficiency-basedforeign matter detection method serving as the second detection methodmay be calculated on the basis of power efficiency in a state where noforeign matter exists. Thus, in the new detection method, foreign matterdetection may be performed by using the Q-value-based foreign matterdetection method, which is the first detection method and which realizeshigh detection accuracy, immediately after the power reception apparatus12 approached the power transmission apparatus 11 and before powersupply to the load 44 starts.

If it is determined in step S23 that the measured Q-value is larger thanthe threshold Q-value, the determining unit 53 determines that noforeign matter exists, and the process proceeds to step S26.

In step S26, the controller 45 of the power reception apparatus 12 (FIG.9) controls the regulator 43 to start supplying power to the load 44.

That is, if it is ensured (with high possibility) that no foreign matterexists by using the Q-value-based foreign matter detection method whichrealizes high detection accuracy, power supply to the load 44 starts.

After power supply to the load 44 starts in step S26, the processproceeds to step S27, where the efficiency measuring unit 52 of thepower reception apparatus 12 (FIG. 9) measures power efficiency in orderto perform foreign matter detection by using the efficiency-basedforeign matter detection method, which may be the second detectionmethod.

In step S27, the efficiency measuring unit 52 measures power efficiency,and supplies the power efficiency obtained through the measurement(measured power efficiency) to the determining unit 53. Then, theprocess proceeds to step S28.

Here, when power efficiency is measured in step S27, it is ensured that,by the Q-value-based foreign matter detection method realizing highdetection accuracy, no foreign matter exists.

Thus, if the power efficiency measured in step S27 is low (the value issmall), it may be inferred that the displacement of (the power receptioncoil L₂ of) the power reception apparatus 12 with respect to (the powertransmission coil L₁ of) the power transmission apparatus 11 is large.On the other hand, if the power efficiency measured in step S27 is high(the value is large), it may be inferred that the displacement of thepower reception apparatus 12 with respect to the power transmissionapparatus 11 is small.

In step S28, the determining unit 53 determines whether or not foreignmatter has been detected by using the measured power efficiency receivedfrom the efficiency measuring unit 52, in accordance with theefficiency-based foreign matter detection method serving as the seconddetection method.

That is, in step S28, the determining unit 53 performs the firstthreshold process of comparing the measured power efficiency receivedfrom the efficiency measuring unit 52 with the worst threshold, anddetermines whether or not the measured power efficiency is higher thanthe worst threshold.

If it is determined in step S28 that the measured power efficiency isnot higher than the worst threshold, the determining unit 53 determinesthat the displacement is beyond the allowance or that the displacementis within the allowance but an abnormal situation has occurred in whichpower efficiency may be unexpectedly low, and supplies a detectionresult indicating that foreign matter has been detected to thecontroller 45 (FIG. 9), as in the case where it is determined thatforeign matter exists.

Then, the process proceeds from step S28 to step S24, and theabove-described process may be repeated.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S28 that the measuredpower efficiency is higher than the worst threshold, the processproceeds to step S29, where the determining unit 53 calculates anappropriate threshold of power efficiency by using the power efficiencymeasured in step S27 (measured power efficiency), that is, by multiplying a certain value by the measured power efficiency (immediateefficiency) or subtracting a certain value from the measured powerefficiency. Then, the process proceeds to step S30.

Here, the threshold of power efficiency which may be used for thethreshold process in the efficiency-based foreign matter detectionmethod is typically determined so that, for example, foreign matter canbe detected as highly accurately as possible while a certaindisplacement is allowed, by considering manufacturing variations of thepower transmission apparatus 11 and the power reception apparatus 12 andan allowable displacement.

However, in the case of performing foreign matter detection by using theefficiency-based foreign matter detection method alone, the displacementwhich is considered to determine the threshold of power efficiency andthe displacement which actually occurs do not match in many cases. Also,manufacturing variation which is considered to determine the thresholdof power efficiency and actual manufacturing variation do not match inmany cases.

Thus, in the case of performing foreign matter detection by using theefficiency-based foreign matter detection method alone, it may bedifficult to determine a threshold which enables highly accuratedetection of foreign matter.

In contrast, in the new detection method, an appropriate threshold maybe calculated by using immediate efficiency, that is, the powerefficiency which may be measured immediately after it is determined thatno foreign matter exists by using the Q-value-based foreign matterdetection method.

The immediate efficiency may be actual power efficiency which isobtained under a current displacement state when no foreign matterexists, and is thus regarded as power efficiency in which an actualdisplacement and actual manufacturing variation are reflected. As aresult of calculating an appropriate threshold by using such immediateefficiency, the appropriate threshold in which an actual displacementand actual manufacturing variation are reflected can be obtained.

As a result, in a state of the displacement when the appropriatethreshold is obtained, foreign matter can be detected highly accuratelyby using the appropriate threshold.

In step S30, the process waits for a certain time period (X seconds),and the process proceeds to step S31.

In step S31, as in step S27, the efficiency measuring unit 52 of thepower reception apparatus 12 measures power efficiency, and supplies thepower efficiency obtained through the measurement (measured powerefficiency) to the determining unit 53. Then, the process proceeds tostep S32.

In step S32, the determining unit 53 determines whether or not foreignmatter has been detected by using the measured power efficiency receivedfrom the efficiency measuring unit 52, in accordance with theefficiency-based foreign matter detection method serving as the seconddetection method.

That is, in step S32, the determining unit 53 performs the firstthreshold process of comparing the measured power efficiency receivedfrom the efficiency measuring unit 52 with the worst threshold, anddetermines whether or not the measured power efficiency is higher thanthe worst threshold.

If it is determined in step S32 that the measured power efficiency isnot higher than the worst threshold, the determining unit 53 supplies adetection result indicating that foreign matter has been detected to thecontroller 45.

Then, the process proceeds from step S32 to step S24, and theabove-described process may be performed.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S32 that the measuredpower efficiency is higher than the worst threshold, the processproceeds to step S33, where the determining unit 53 determines whetheror not foreign matter has been detected by using the measured powerefficiency received from the efficiency measuring unit 52, in accordancewith the efficiency-based foreign matter detection method serving as thesecond detection method.

That is, in step S33, the determining unit 53 performs the secondthreshold process of comparing the measured power efficiency receivedfrom the efficiency measuring unit 52 with the appropriate threshold,and determines whether or not the measured power efficiency is higherthan the appropriate threshold.

If it is determined in step S33 that the measured power efficiency ishigher than the appropriate threshold, that is, if power efficiency ofan appropriate value is obtained as power efficiency in the state of adisplacement when immediate efficiency is measured, and if it isdetermined that no foreign matter exists, the process returns to stepS30, and the same process may be repeated.

If it is determined in step S33 that the measured power efficiency isnot higher than the appropriate threshold, that is, if low powerefficiency is obtained as power efficiency in the state of adisplacement when immediate efficiency is measured, and if it isdetermined that foreign matter exists or a displacement has changed(increased), the process proceeds to step S34, where the controller 45of the power reception apparatus 12 controls the regulator 43 to stopsupplying power to the load 44.

Then, the process returns from step S34 to step S22, and theabove-described process may be repeated.

In the new detection method, after an appropriate threshold has beencalculated, power efficiency may be regularly monitored with power beingsupplied to the load 44, and foreign matter detection may be performedin accordance with the efficiency-based foreign matter detection methodby using the first threshold process using a worst threshold and thesecond threshold process using an appropriate threshold.

The appropriate threshold may be a threshold based on power efficiencyin the state of a displacement when the immediate efficiency ismeasured. When the displacement becomes larger than that in a statewhere the immediate efficiency is measured, the power efficiency maybecome lower than the appropriated threshold due to the increaseddisplacement.

If power supply from the power transmission apparatus 11 stops in a casewhere power efficiency becomes lower than the appropriate threshold dueto an increased displacement but the displacement is within an allowanceand where no foreign matter exists, usability may be degraded.

Therefore, in FIG. 10, if power efficiency is lower than the appropriatethreshold, the process proceeds from step S33 to step S34, and theprocess returns to step S22, where foreign matter detection is performedby using the Q-value-based foreign matter detection method whichrealizes high detection accuracy.

If no foreign matter is detected by using the Q-value-based foreignmatter detection method, power supply from the power transmissionapparatus 11 may be continued (the process proceeds to step S26).

On the other hand, if foreign matter is detected by using theQ-value-based foreign matter detection method, power supply from thepower transmission apparatus 11 ends (the process proceeds to step S24).

As described above, in the new detection method, whether or not foreignmatter exists is determined by using the first detection method beforepower supply to the load 44 starts, and whether or not foreign matterexists is determined by using the second detection method, which isdifferent from the first detection method, while power is being suppliedto the load 44. In this way, foreign matter detection is performed.

Furthermore, in the new detection method, the Q-value-based foreignmatter detection method, which realizes higher detection accuracy thanthe efficiency-based foreign matter detection method serving as thesecond detection method, may be used as the first detection method.Also, an appropriate threshold may be calculated by using immediateefficiency, which is the power efficiency measured immediately after itis determined that no foreign matter exists by using the Q-value-basedforeign matter detection method.

Thus, before power supply to the load 44 starts, foreign matterdetection can be performed with high accuracy by using the Q-value-basedforeign matter detection method which realizes high detection accuracy.While power is being supplied to the load 44, foreign matter detectioncan be performed with relatively high accuracy by using theefficiency-based foreign matter detection method using an appropriatethreshold (second threshold process).

With the efficiency-based foreign matter detection method (using anappropriate threshold), whether or not foreign matter exists can bedetermined even while power is being supplied to the load 44.Accordingly, temporal efficiency of wireless power supply can beincreased, compared to the case of using the Q-value-based foreignmatter detection method alone, in which it is necessary to stoptransmission of power from the power transmission apparatus 11 (andpower supply to the load 44) during measurement of a Q-value.

Furthermore, in the efficiency-based foreign matter detection methodusing an appropriate threshold, if it is determined that foreign matterexists, that is, if measured power efficiency decreases to under theappropriate threshold, there is a probability that a displacement hasincreased. In such a case, foreign matter detection may be performedagain by using the Q-value-based foreign matter detection method. If noforeign matter is detected by using the Q-value-based foreign matterdetection method, power supply from the power transmission apparatus 11continues. Accordingly, it can be prevented that power supply from thepower transmission apparatus 11 ends when power efficiency becomes lowerthan the appropriate threshold due to a large displacement within anallowance, and that usability may be degraded.

As described above, according to the new detection method, foreignmatter detection can be performed with high accuracy and wireless powersupply can be efficiently performed without causing degradation ofusability.

The determining unit 53 illustrated in FIG. 9 may be provided in thepower transmission apparatus 11, instead of the power receptionapparatus 12. In this case, the Q-value of the power reception coil L₂and the threshold Q-value, and the value of reception DC power which isused for calculating power efficiency are transmitted from the powerreception apparatus 12 to the power transmission apparatus 11. Then, thedetermining unit 53 of the power transmission apparatus 11 determineswhether or not foreign matter exists by using the Q-value received fromthe power reception apparatus 12 and the power efficiency calculated byusing the value of reception DC power.

Then, a determination result indicating whether or not foreign matterexists is transmitted from the power transmission apparatus 11 to thepower reception apparatus 12. In the power reception apparatus 12, powersupply from the regulator 43 to the load 44 may be controlled inaccordance with the determination result received from the powertransmission apparatus 11.

As described above, the method for sharing the foreign matter detectionfunction by the power transmission apparatus 11 and the power receptionapparatus 12 is not limited.

Note that, in a case where the power reception apparatus 12 is operatedby power which is wirelessly supplied from the power transmissionapparatus 11 or power of a battery or the like charged with the power,it may be desirable that the power consumed by the foreign matterdetection function in the power reception apparatus 12 below. From thispoint of view, it may be desirable that the burden of the foreign matterdetection function imposed on the power reception apparatus 12 be small.

Therefore, the power reception apparatus 12 may perform processes whichcan be performed only by the power reception apparatus 12, for example,measurement of voltages V₁ and V₂ which are necessary to calculate theQ-value of the power reception coil L₂, and measurement of reception DCpower which is used to calculate power efficiency. On the other hand,the power transmission apparatus 11 may perform calculation of theQ-value using the voltages V₁ and V₂, calculation of power efficiencyusing the reception DC power, and other processes necessary for theforeign matter detection function.

V. Calculation of Appropriate Threshold

FIG. 11 is a diagram describing calculation of an appropriate threshold.

That is, FIG. 11 illustrates an example of calculating a threshold usedin a case where the efficiency-based foreign matter detection method maybe used alone and an appropriate threshold used in (the efficiency-basedforeign matter detection method performed in) the new detection method.

In FIG. 11, the maximum value of power efficiency (maximum efficiencyvalue) may be 90%, and the maximum variation of power efficiency causedby a displacement within an allowance (positional-relationship variationwidth) may be 30%.

Also, in FIG. 11, the maximum variation of power efficiency caused bymanufacturing variation (manufacturing variation width) may be 15%, andthe maximum variation of power efficiency caused by a measurement errorof power efficiency (measurement variation width) may be 5%.

In FIG. 11, power efficiency fluctuates by 50% (=30%+15%+5%) at maximumdue to a displacement, manufacturing variation, and a measurement error.Thus, in FIG. 11, the worst threshold may be 50% of the maximumefficiency value (maximum efficiency value×0.5=45%).

In a case where the efficiency-based foreign matter detection method maybe used alone, a value in which a displacement, manufacturing variation,and a measurement error are reflected can be obtained as powerefficiency which is actually measured (efficiency value in an actualusage situation).

However, in a case where the efficiency-based foreign matter detectionmethod may be used alone and where the power efficiency actuallymeasured is low, it may be difficult to determine whether the cause ofthe low power efficiency is a displacement or the existence of foreignmatter.

Thus, in a case where the efficiency-based foreign matter detectionmethod may be used alone and where priority is placed on usability, aworst threshold can be used as a threshold with which power efficiencyis compared.

In this case, as long as the power efficiency is not under the worstthreshold, that is, the maximum efficiency value×0.5=45%, it is notdetermined that foreign matter exists. Thus, in a case where theefficiency-based foreign matter detection method may be used alone andwhere the power efficiency is not under the worst threshold becausedisplacement hardly occurs, it may be determined that no foreign matterexists even if foreign matter actually exists.

On the other hand, in the new detection method, the power efficiencywhich is actually measured (efficiency value in an actual usagesituation) may be the power efficiency which is measured immediatelyafter it is determined that no foreign matter exists by using theQ-value-based foreign matter detection method (immediate efficiency).

A displacement, manufacturing variation, and a measurement error arereflected in the immediate efficiency. Furthermore, it may be ensuredthat no foreign matter exists. Thus, if the displacement is maintained,the power efficiency which is measured thereafter is not much lower thanthe immediate efficiency, as long as foreign matter is not inserted.

In the new detection method, the immediate efficiency may be used. Forexample, a value obtained by multiplying a certain value by theimmediate efficiency may be calculated as an appropriate threshold.

In FIG. 11, a value of 80% may be obtained as the immediate efficiency,for example. Also, a value of 72% may be obtained as the appropriatethreshold by multiplying a certain value, for example, 0.9, by 80%.

According to the new detection method, when the power efficiency becomesunder 45%, which may be the worst threshold, it is determined thatforeign matter exists, and power supply stops.

When the power efficiency is not under 45%, which may be the worstthreshold, but may be under 72%, which may be the appropriate threshold,it is determined that foreign matter may exist or a displacement hasbecome larger, and it is determined whether or not foreign matter existsby using the Q-value-based foreign matter detection method whichrealizes higher detection accuracy than the efficiency-based foreignmatter detection method.

Thus, according to the new detection method, merely an increase indisplacement and a decrease in power efficiency to under an appropriatethreshold does not cause stop of power supply. Accordingly, wirelesspower supply can be efficiently performed with usability being ensured.

According to the new detection method, if power efficiency becomes lowerthan an appropriate threshold due to the existence of foreign matter,the foreign matter may be detected by using the Q-value-based foreignmatter detection method which realizes high detection accuracy, andpower supply may be stopped.

Here, as the second detection method among the first and seconddetection methods used in the new detection method, a detection methodfor determining whether or not foreign matter exists by measuring acertain physical amount and performing a threshold process of comparingthe measured value of the physical amount with a certain threshold, suchas the efficiency-based foreign matter detection method, can beemployed.

In the new detection method, an appropriate threshold which may be usedfor the threshold process in the second detection method can becalculated (determined) by using a measured value in the seconddetection method which is measured immediately after it is determinedthat no foreign matter exists (hereinafter referred to as an immediatemeasured value), by using the first detection method.

Calculation of an appropriate threshold using an immediate measuredvalue can be performed by manipulating the immediate measured value, forexample, with multiplication, addition, or subtraction of a certainvalue with respect to the immediate measured value. The degree of themanipulation can be determined on the basis of the maximum variation ofa measured value (measurement variation width) caused by an error whichoccurs when a measured value is obtained by using the second detectionmethod (measurement error).

That is, the degree of manipulation of an immediate measured value,specifically, a certain value which may be multiplied by or added to theimmediate measured value, can be determined so that, for example, theimmediate measured value matches the appropriate threshold with a marginof about twice the measurement variation width.

VI. Charging with Wireless Power Supply

FIG. 12 is a flowchart describing a process performed in the wirelesspower supply system illustrated in FIG. 1 in a case where charging maybe performed by using wireless power supply.

In a case where charging is performed by using wireless power supply inthe wireless power supply system, the load 44 of the power receptionapparatus 12 (FIG. 9) includes a battery, and the battery may becharged.

Referring to FIG. 12, in steps S41 to S54, a process similar to that insteps S21 to S34 in FIG. 10 may be performed.

In step S1, as in step S29 in FIG. 10, the determining unit 53calculates an appropriate threshold by using immediate efficiency. Then,the process proceeds to step S61, where the controller 45 of the powerreception apparatus 12 (FIG. 9) determines whether or not the batteryincluded in the load 44 is in a fully-charged state.

If it is determined in step S61 that the battery included in the load 44is not in a fully-charged state, the process proceeds to step S50. Insteps S50 to S54, a process similar to that in steps S30 to S34 in FIG.10 may be performed.

If it is determined in step S61 that the battery included in the load 44is in a fully-charged state, the process proceeds to step S62. In stepS62, the controller 45 of the power reception apparatus 12 controls thecommunication unit 42, so as to transmit a completion message indicatingthat charging has been completed to the power transmission apparatus 11.

Also, in step S62, the power transmission apparatus 11 receives thecompletion message from the power reception apparatus 12, and ends(stops) transmitting power in response to the completion message.

Subsequently, the process proceeds from step S62 to step S63, where atleast one of the power transmission apparatus 11 and the power receptionapparatus 12 performs a charging completion process to notify a userthat charging has been completed (for example, turns on a lampindicating that charging has been completed). Then, the process ends.

VII. Another Example Configuration of Foreign Matter Detector 46

FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating another example configuration ofthe foreign matter detector 46 illustrated in FIG. 7.

In FIG. 13, the parts corresponding to those in FIG. 9 are denoted bythe same reference numerals, and the corresponding description isomitted as appropriate.

Referring to FIG. 13, the foreign matter detector 46 may be the same asthat in FIG. 9 in that the Q-value measuring unit 51 and the determiningunit 53 are provided.

However, the foreign matter detector 46 in FIG. 13 may be different fromthat in FIG. 9 in that a temperature measuring unit 62 may be providedinstead of the efficiency measuring unit 52.

In the foreign matter detector 46 in FIG. 13, the Q-value-based foreignmatter detection method may be used as the first detection method, as inFIG. 9. However, the temperature-based foreign matter detection methodmay be used as the second detection method, unlike in FIG. 9.

Thus, the foreign matter detector 46 in FIG. 13 includes the temperaturemeasuring unit 62 instead of the efficiency measuring unit 52 in FIG. 9.

The temperature measuring unit 62 includes a temperature sensor (notillustrated), such as a thermistor, measures the temperature near thepower reception coil L₂, for example, and supplies the temperature tothe determining unit 53.

The determining unit 53 performs a process similar to the processperformed by the determining unit 53 in FIG. 9, except for using thetemperature supplied from the temperature measuring unit 62.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart describing a wireless power supply processperformed in the wireless power supply system illustrated in FIG. 1 in acase where the foreign matter detector 46 has the configurationillustrated in FIG. 13.

That is, FIG. 14 is a flowchart describing a wireless power supplyprocess in a case where the Q-value-based foreign matter detectionmethod is used as the first detection method and the temperature-basedforeign matter detection method is used as the second detection method.

When the power reception apparatus 12 approaches the power transmissionapparatus 11, the power transmission apparatus 11 starts transmittingpower in step S71, as in step S21 in FIG. 10, and the process proceedsto step S72.

In step S72, the Q-value measuring unit 51 of the power receptionapparatus 12 (FIG. 13) measures the Q-value of the power reception coilL₂, as in step S22 in FIG. 10.

After measuring the Q-value of the power reception coil L₂, the Q-valuemeasuring unit 51 supplies the Q-value obtained through the measurement(measured Q-value) to the determining unit 53, and the process proceedsto step S73.

In step S73, as in step S23 in FIG. 10, the determining unit 53 performsa threshold process of comparing the measured Q-value received from theQ-value measuring unit 51 with the threshold Q-value, and determineswhether or not the measured Q-value is larger than the thresholdQ-value.

If it is determined in step S73 that the measured Q-value is not largerthan the threshold Q-value, the determining unit 53 determines thatforeign matter exists, and supplies a detection result indicating thatforeign matter has been detected to the controller 45 (FIG. 13). Then,the process proceeds to step S74.

In step S74, the power transmission apparatus 11 stops (ends)transmitting power, as in step S24 in FIG. 10.

Subsequently, the process proceeds from step S74 to step S75, where anabnormality notification process may be performed as in step S25 in FIG.10, and the wireless power supply process ends.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S73 that the measuredQ-value is larger than the threshold Q-value, the determining unit 53determines that no foreign matter exists, and the process proceeds tostep S76.

In step S76, the controller 45 of the power reception apparatus 12 (FIG.13) controls the regulator 43 to start power supply to the load 44.

After power supply to the load 44 is started in step S76, the processproceeds to step S77, where the temperature measuring unit 62 of thepower reception apparatus 12 (FIG. 13) measures a temperature in orderto perform foreign matter detection by using the temperature-basedforeign matter detection method serving as the second detection method.

In step S77, after measuring temperature, the temperature measuring unit62 supplies the temperature obtained through the measurement(hereinafter referred to as measured temperature) to the determiningunit 53, and the process proceeds to step S78.

In step S78, the determining unit 53 determines whether or not foreignmatter has been detected by using the measured temperature received fromthe temperature measuring unit 62, in accordance with thetemperature-based foreign matter detection method serving as the seconddetection method.

That is, in step S78, the determining unit 53 performs a first thresholdprocess of comparing the measured temperature received from thetemperature measuring unit 62 with a worst threshold, and determineswhether or not the measured temperature is lower than the worstthreshold.

Here, as the worst threshold for the temperature-based foreign matterdetection method, a minimum value (for example, 60 degrees) indicatingthat foreign matter (almost) certainly exists is set.

If it is determined in step S78 that the measured temperature is notlower than the worst threshold, the determining unit 53 determines thatan abnormal situation has occurred in which a temperature isunexpectedly high, and supplies a detection result indicating thatforeign matter has been detected to the controller 45 (FIG. 13), as inthe case where it is determined that foreign matter exists.

Then, the process proceeds from step S78 to step S74, and theabove-described process may be performed.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S78 that the measuredtemperature is lower than the worst threshold, the process proceeds tostep S79, where the determining unit 53 calculates an appropriatethreshold by using the measured temperature which may be obtained instep S77 and at which it may be ensured that no foreign matter exists inthe Q-value-based foreign matter detection method (hereinafter referredto as immediate temperature). The appropriate threshold may becalculated by multiplying or adding a certain value, which may bedetermined on the basis of a measurement variation width, by or to theimmediate temperature (for example, by adding ten degrees to theimmediate temperature). Then, the process proceeds to step S80.

In step S80, the process waits for a certain time period (X seconds),and the process proceeds to step S81.

In step S81, the temperature measuring unit 62 of the power receptionapparatus 12 measures temperature, as in step S77, and supplies thetemperature obtained through the measurement (measured temperature) tothe determining unit 53. Then, the process proceeds to step S82.

In step S82, the determining unit 53 determines whether or not foreignmatter has been detected by using the measured temperature received fromthe temperature measuring unit 62, in accordance with thetemperature-based foreign matter detection method serving as the seconddetection method.

That is, in step S82, the determining unit 53 performs a first thresholdprocess of comparing the measured temperature received from thetemperature measuring unit 62 with the worst threshold, and determineswhether or not the measured temperature is lower than the worstthreshold.

If it is determined in step S82 that the measured temperature is notlower than the worst threshold, the determining unit 53 supplies adetection result indicating that foreign matter has been detected to thecontroller 45.

Then, the process proceeds from step S82 to step S74, and theabove-described process may be performed.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S82 that the measuredtemperature is lower than the worst threshold, the process proceeds tostep S83, where the determining unit 53 determines whether or notforeign matter has been detected by using the measured temperaturereceived from the temperature measuring unit 62, in accordance with thetemperature-based foreign matter detection method serving as the seconddetection method.

That is, in step S83, the determining unit 53 performs a secondthreshold process of comparing the measured temperature received fromthe temperature measuring unit 62 with the appropriate threshold, anddetermines whether or not the measured temperature is lower than theappropriate threshold.

If it is determined in step S82 that the measured temperature is lowerthan the appropriate threshold, that is, if a temperature that is aboutthe same as the immediate temperature is measured and thus it may bedetermined that no foreign matter exists, the process returns to stepS80, and the above-described process may be repeated.

If it is determined in step S82 that the measured temperature is notlower than the appropriate threshold, that is, if a temperature higherthan the immediate temperature is measured and thus there is aprobability that foreign matter exists, the process proceeds to stepS84, where the controller 45 of the power reception apparatus 12controls the regulator 43 to stop power supply to the load 44.

Then, the process returns from step S84 to step S72, and theabove-described process may be repeated.

As described above, in the new detection method in which theQ-value-based foreign matter detection method may be used as the firstdetection method and the temperature-based foreign matter detectionmethod may be used as the second detection method, after an appropriatethreshold has been calculated, temperatures are regularly monitored withpower being supplied to the load 44, and foreign matter detection withthe temperature-based foreign matter detection method may be performedby using a first threshold process using a worst threshold and a secondthreshold process using the appropriate threshold.

The measured temperature varies depending on a condition in which atemperature sensor serving as the temperature measuring unit 62 isplaced and is in contact with another device, a state of a room in whichthe wireless power supply system is placed (the temperature of the roomin which the wireless power supply system is placed), and otherconditions of the wireless power supply system.

Therefore, if a low temperature is set as a worst threshold and if theroom temperature is high, a measured temperature may be higher than theworst threshold even if no foreign matter exists. In this case, it iswrongly determined that foreign matter exists, power supply is stopped,and usability may be degraded.

To ensure usability, a relatively large value which will be higher thana measured temperature even when a room temperature is high and whichwill be lower than measured temperature when foreign matter exists (forexample, 60 degrees) can be set as a worst threshold.

However, merely performing a threshold process using such a worstthreshold may be insufficient to detect foreign matter in a case whereforeign matter actually exists but a measured temperature is lower thanthe worst threshold due to a low room temperature. Accordingly, theaccuracy of detecting foreign matter decreases.

In the new detection method in which the Q-value-based foreign matterdetection method may be used as the first detection method and thetemperature-based foreign matter detection method may be used as thesecond detection method, an appropriate threshold may be set on thebasis of immediate temperature, which may be a measured temperature atwhich it may be ensured that no foreign matter exists by using theQ-value-based foreign matter detection method, and, if a measuredtemperature is higher than the appropriated threshold, foreign matterdetection may be performed by using the Q-value-based foreign matterdetection method which realizes high detection accuracy. Thus, foreignmatter detection can be performed with high accuracy and wireless powersupply can be efficiently performed without causing degradation ofusability.

In the new detection method, it may be desirable that the detectionaccuracy of the first detection method be as high as possible.

Furthermore, in the new detection method, it may be determined whetheror not foreign matter exists by using the first detection method beforepower supply to the load 44 starts. Thus, a detection method with whichforeign matter detection can be performed when power supply to the load44 is not being performed, that is, when power transmission by the powertransmission apparatus 11 is not being performed, can be used as thefirst detection method.

In the new detection method, when power supply to the load 44 is beingperformed, it may be determined whether or not foreign matter exists byusing the second detection method. Thus, it is necessary to use, as thesecond detection method, a detection method with which foreign matterdetection can be performed even when power supply to the load 44 isbeing performed, that is, when power transmission by the powertransmission apparatus 11 may be being performed.

Thus, as well as the Q-value-based foreign matter detection method, theabove-described light-based foreign matter detection method, image-basedforeign matter detection method, effective-resistance-based foreignmatter detection method, or the like can be used as the first detectionmethod.

The light-based foreign matter detection method and the image-basedforeign matter detection method may be disadvantageous in terms of cost,mounting area, and so forth, compared to the Q-value-based foreignmatter detection method. However, the light-based foreign matterdetection method and the image-based foreign matter detection methodhave characteristics similar to those of the Q-value-based foreignmatter detection method in that the detection accuracy may be relativelyhigh and power transmission (wireless power supply) using a magneticfield by the power transmission apparatus 11 exerts an influence asnoise, and in that it may be desirable to avoid the constant use as muchas possible in terms of power consumption.

On the other hand, as the second detection method, the above-describedload-based foreign matter detection method can be used as well as theefficiency-based foreign matter detection method and thetemperature-based foreign matter detection method.

In the configuration illustrated in FIG. 7, the connection of theresistor may be turned ON/OFF in the communication unit 42 of the powerreception apparatus 12, and thereby load modulation may be performed totransmit information from the power reception apparatus 12 to the powertransmission apparatus 11. However, the communication method used forthe communication between the power transmission apparatus 11 and thepower reception apparatus 12 is not limited thereto.

VIII. Other Example Configurations of Power Reception Apparatus 12

FIGS. 15A and 15B are block diagrams illustrating other exampleconfigurations of the power reception apparatus 12 illustrated in FIG.1.

In FIGS. 15A and 15B, the parts corresponding to those in FIG. 7 aredenoted by the same reference numerals, and the correspondingdescription is omitted.

The power reception apparatus 12 in FIG. 15A may be the same as that inFIG. 7 in that the resonance circuit 40, the rectifier 41, the regulator43, the load 44, the controller 45, and the foreign matter detector 46are provided.

However, the power reception apparatus 12 in FIG. 15A may be differentfrom that in FIG. 7 in that a communication unit 71 may be providedinstead of the communication unit 42.

In FIG. 15A, the communication unit 71 may be provided between theresonance circuit 40 and the rectifier 41.

The communication unit 42 in FIG. 7 includes an FET and a resistor. Incontrast, the communication unit 71 includes, for example, an FET and acapacitor. The FET may be turned ON/OFF in accordance with the controlperformed by the controller 45, so that the capacitor may be connectedto or disconnected from the resonance circuit 40.

When the capacitor is connected to or disconnected from the resonancecircuit 40, the impedance of the resonance circuit 40 as a load viewedfrom the (external) power transmission apparatus 11 changes, and loadmodulation may be performed on the current (voltage) in the resonancecircuit 20 of the power transmission apparatus 11 (FIG. 5).

The power reception apparatus 12 in FIG. 15B may be the same as that inFIG. 7 in that the resonance circuit 40, the rectifier 41, the regulator43, the load 44, the controller 45, and the foreign matter detector 46are provided.

However, the power reception apparatus 12 in FIG. 15B may be differentfrom that in FIG. 7 in that a communication unit 81 and a communicationantenna 82 are provided instead of the communication unit 42.

The communication unit 81 performs wireless communication in accordancewith, for example, ZigBee (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registeredtrademark), wireless local area network (LAN), or another communicationscheme, when the communication antenna 82 transmits and receives radiowaves.

In a case where the communication unit 81 is provided in the powerreception apparatus 12, it may be necessary to provide a block capableof communicating with the communication unit 81 in the powertransmission apparatus 11.

IX. Description of Computer to which Present Technology May be Applied

Among the processes related to the foreign matter detection function, atleast some processes performed by the controller 24 of the powertransmission apparatus 11 and the controller 45 and the determining unit53 of the power reception apparatus 12 may be performed by hardware orsoftware. When the processes are performed by software, a programconstituting the software may be installed into a computer (processor).

FIG. 16 illustrates an example configuration of a computer into whichthe program for executing the processes is installed according to anembodiment.

The program may be recorded in advance on a hard disk 105 or a read onlymemory (ROM) 103 serving as a recording medium included in the computer.

Alternatively, the program may be stored in (recorded on) a removablerecording medium 111. The removable recording medium 111 may be providedas so-called packaged software. Examples of the removable recordingmedium 111 include a flexible disk, a compact disc read only memory(CD-ROM), a magneto-optical (MO) disc, a digital versatile disc (DVD), amagnetic disk, and a semiconductor memory.

The program may be installed from the above-described removablerecording medium 111 to the computer, or may be downloaded to thecomputer via a communication network or a broadcast network andinstalled into the hard disk 105. That is, the program may be wirelesslytransferred from a download site to the computer via an artificialsatellite for digital satellite broadcasting, or may be transferred tothe computer in a wired manner via a network, such as a LAN or theInternet.

The computer includes a central processing unit (CPU) 102. The CPU 102may be connected to an input/output interface 110 via a bus 101.

Upon receiving an instruction from a user via the input/output interface110 in accordance with an operation performed on an input unit 107, theCPU 102 executes the program stored in the ROM 103 in response to theinstruction. Alternatively, the CPU 102 executes the program stored inthe hard disk 105 by loading it to a random access memory (RAM) 104.

Accordingly, the CPU 102 executes a process in accordance with theabove-described flowcharts or a process performed by the configurationillustrated in any of the above-described block diagrams. Then, the CPU102 causes a processing result to be output from an output unit 106,transmitted from a communication unit 108, or recorded on the hard disk105 via the input/output interface 110 if necessary.

The input unit 107 includes a keyboard, a mouse, a microphone, and thelike. The output unit 106 includes a liquid crystal display (LCD), aspeaker, and the like.

In this specification, the processes performed by the computer inaccordance with a program are not necessarily performed in time seriesin accordance with the order described as a flowchart. That is, theprocesses performed by the computer in accordance with a program may beperformed in parallel or individually (for example, a parallel processor a process by an object).

The program may be executed by a single computer (processor) or may beprocessed by a plurality of computers in a distributed manner.Furthermore, the program may be transferred to a remote computer to beexecuted.

In this specification, a system means a set of a plurality of elements(apparatuses, modules, components, or the like), and all the elementsare not necessarily accommodated in the same casing. Thus, a pluralityof apparatuses which are accommodated in different casings and which areconnected to one another via a network, and a single apparatus in whicha plurality of modules are accommodated in a single casing are regardedas a system.

The embodiment of the present technology is not limited to theabove-described embodiment, and various modifications can be madewithout deviating from the gist of the present technology.

For example, according to the present technology, a configuration ofcloud computing can be employed in which a single function may be sharedby a plurality of apparatuses via a network and may be processed incooperation with one another.

The individual steps of the above-described flowcharts may be executedby a single apparatus, or may be executed by a plurality of apparatusesin a distributed manner.

Furthermore, in a case where a single step includes a plurality ofprocesses, the plurality of processes may be executed by a singleapparatus, or may be executed by a plurality of apparatuses in adistributed manner.

The present technology may provide the following configurations.

(1) A method for controlling power supplied to a load of a wirelesspower reception apparatus, the method comprising: receiving, wirelesslyat a power reception coil of the power reception apparatus, power from apower transmission apparatus;determining, by the power reception apparatus and according to a firstdetection method, whether foreign matter that adversely affects wirelesspower transmission is present between the wireless power transmissionapparatus and the power reception apparatus, wherein the determining isexecuted before applying power from the power reception coil to theload; andanalyzing, by the power reception apparatus according to a seconddetection method different from the first detection method and whilepower is applied to the load, power transmission between the wirelesspower transmission apparatus and the power reception apparatus.(2) The method of claim 1, wherein the determining comprisesmeasuring, by the power reception apparatus, a Q value of the powerreception coil.(3) The method of (1), wherein the determining comprisesmeasuring, by the power reception apparatus, an effective resistancevalue of the power reception coil.(4) The method of (1), wherein the determining comprisesreceiving or not receiving, by the power reception apparatus, an opticalcommunication from the power transmission apparatus.(5) The method of (1), wherein the determining comprisesprocessing, by the power reception apparatus, an image of a regionbetween the power transmission apparatus and the power receptionapparatus.(6) The method of (1), wherein the analyzing comprises:receiving, by the power reception apparatus, an indication of an amountof power transmitted by the power transmission apparatus; andcalculating, by the power reception apparatus, a ratio of power receivedby the power reception apparatus to the amount of power transmitted bythe power transmission apparatus.(7) The method of (1), wherein the analyzing comprisesmeasuring, by the power reception apparatus, a temperature near thepower reception coil.(8) The method of (1), further comprising transmitting, by the powerreception apparatus and responsive to determining foreign matter thatadversely affects wireless power transmission is present, a stop signalto the power transmission apparatus to indicate stopping the wirelesspower transmission.(9) The method of (8), further comprising providing a notification to auser of the power reception apparatus that an abnormal powertransmission condition is present.(10) A power reception apparatus configured to receive power wirelesslyfrom a power transmission apparatus, the power reception apparatuscomprising:a power reception coil;a load;a controller configured to control power supplied from the powerreception coil to the load; anda foreign matter detector, wherein the power reception apparatus isconfigured to:determine, prior to applying power from the power reception coil to theload and according to a first detection method, whether foreign matterthat adversely affects wireless power transmission is present betweenthe power transmission apparatus and the power reception apparatus; andanalyze, according to a second detection method different from the firstdetection method and while power is applied to the load, powertransmission between the wireless power transmission apparatus and thepower reception apparatus.(11) The power reception apparatus of (10), wherein the power receptionapparatus is arranged to supply power used to operate an electricvehicle.(12) The power reception apparatus of (10), wherein the power receptionapparatus is arranged to supply power used to operate a home electronicappliance or a mobile phone.(13) The power reception apparatus of (10), whereinthe configuration to determine comprises a configuration to measure, bythe power reception apparatus, a Q value of the power reception coil;andthe configuration to analyze comprises a configuration to receive, bythe power reception apparatus, an indication of an amount of powertransmitted by the power transmission apparatus, and calculate, by thepower reception apparatus, a ratio of power received by the powerreception apparatus to the amount of power transmitted by the powertransmission apparatus.(14) The power reception apparatus of claim 10, wherein theconfiguration to determine comprises a configuration to measure, by thepower reception apparatus, an effective resistance value of the powerreception coil.(15) The power reception apparatus of (10), wherein the configuration toanalyze comprises a configuration to measure, by the power receptionapparatus, a temperature near the power reception coil.(16) The power reception apparatus of (10), further comprising aresistor configured to be switched across two terminals of the powerreception coil so as to transmit a signal to the power transmissiondevice.(17) A manufactured storage device having machine-readable instructionsthat, when executed by at least one processor that is configured tocontrol power supplied from a power reception coil to a load in a powerreception apparatus, cause the at least one processor to:determine, according to a first detection method and before applyingpower from the power reception coil to the load, whether foreign matterthat adversely affects wireless power transmission is present between awireless power transmission apparatus and the power reception apparatus;andanalyze, according to a second detection method different from the firstdetection method and while power is applied to the load, powertransmission between the wireless power transmission apparatus and thepower reception apparatus.(18) The manufactured storage device of (17), wherein the instructionsthat cause the at least one processor to determine comprise instructionsfor measuring a Q value of the reception coil.(19) The manufactured storage device of (17), wherein the instructionsthat cause the at least one processor to determine comprise instructionsfor measuring an effective resistance of the reception coil.(20) The manufactured storage device of (17), wherein the instructionsthat cause the at least one processor to analyze comprise instructionsfor determining a ratio of an amount of power received by the powerreception apparatus to power transmitted by the power transmissionapparatus.(21) A processing device including:a detector configured to detect foreign matter by determining, in apower reception apparatus which receives power through wireless powersupply from a power transmission apparatus which transmits power,whether or not foreign matter which affects the wireless power supplyexists by using a first detection method, before power supply to a loadof power using the wireless power supply is started, andby determining whether or not foreign matter exists by using a seconddetection method, which is different from the first detection method,while power is being supplied to the load.(22) The processing device according to (21),wherein the second detection method is a method for determining whetheror not foreign matter exists by measuring a certain physical amount andperforming a threshold process of comparing a measured value of thecertain physical amount with a certain threshold, andwherein the detector decides the certain threshold to be used in thethreshold process after determining that no foreign matter exists byusing the first detection method.(23) The processing device according to (22),wherein the detector calculates the certain threshold to be used in thethreshold process by using the measured value which is obtainedimmediately after the detector determines that no foreign matter existsby using the first detection method.(24) The processing device according to (23),wherein the detector performs, as a process of determining whether ornot foreign matter exists by using the second detection method,a first threshold process in which a predetermined threshold is used,anda second threshold process in which a threshold is used, the thresholdbeing calculated by using the measured value which is obtainedimmediately after the detector determines that no foreign matter existsby using the first detection method, the second threshold process beingperformed if the detector determines that no foreign matter exists inthe first threshold process.(25) The processing device according to (24),wherein, if the detector determines that foreign matter exists in thesecond threshold process, the detector determines again whether or notforeign matter exists by using the first detection method.(26) The processing device according to (25), further including:a power supply controller configured to stop power supply to the load ifforeign matter is detected.(27) The processing device according to (26),wherein the power supply controller stops power supply to the load ifthe detector determines that foreign matter exists by using the firstdetection method and if the detector determines that foreign matterexists by using the first threshold process.(28) The processing device according to any of (21) to (27),wherein the first detection method is a method for detecting whether ornot foreign matter exists with higher accuracy than the second detectionmethod.(29) The processing device according to any of (21) to (27),wherein the second detection method is a method which enables detectionof foreign matter even while power is being supplied to the load.(30) The processing device according to any of (21) to (29),wherein the power reception apparatus includes a power reception coil,which is a coil for receiving power from the power transmissionapparatus, andwherein the first detection method is a method for determining whetheror not foreign matter exists by using a Q-value of the power receptioncoil or an effective resistance value.(31) The processing device according to any of (21) to (29),wherein the first detection method is a method for determining whetheror not foreign matter exists by determining whether or not opticalcommunication is possible between the power transmission apparatus andthe power reception apparatus or by using an image of a portion betweenthe power transmission apparatus and the power reception apparatus.(32) The processing device according to any of (21) to (31),wherein the second detection method is a method for determining whetheror not foreign matter exists by performing a threshold process on achange in power efficiency representing a ratio of power received by thepower reception apparatus to power transmitted by the power transmissionapparatus, a change in temperature between the power transmissionapparatus and the power reception apparatus, or a change in load of thepower reception apparatus viewed from the power transmission apparatus.(33) A processing method including:detecting foreign matterby determining, in a power reception apparatus which receives powerthrough wireless power supply from a power transmission apparatus whichtransmits power, whether or not foreign matter which affects thewireless power supply exists by using a first detection method, beforepower supply to a load of power using the wireless power supply isstarted, andby determining whether or not foreign matter exists by using a seconddetection method, which is different from the first detection method,while power is being supplied to the load.(34) A program causing a computer to function as:a detector configured to detect foreign matterby determining, in a power reception apparatus which receives powerthrough wireless power supply from a power transmission apparatus whichtransmits power, whether or not foreign matter which affects thewireless power supply exists by using a first detection method, beforepower supply to a load of power using the wireless power supply isstarted, andby determining whether or not foreign matter exists by using a seconddetection method, which is different from the first detection method,while power is being supplied to the load.

It should be understood by those skilled in the art that variousmodifications, combinations, sub-combinations and alterations may occurdepending on design requirements and other factors insofar as they arewithin the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

-   -   11 power transmission apparatus    -   12 power reception apparatus    -   20 resonance circuit    -   21 DC power source    -   22 driver circuit    -   23 waveform detector    -   24 controller    -   31 gate drive circuit    -   32 to 35 FET    -   40 resonance circuit    -   41 rectifier    -   42 communication unit    -   43 regulator    -   44 load    -   45 controller    -   46 foreign matter detector    -   51 Q-value measuring unit    -   52 efficiency measuring unit    -   53 determining unit    -   62 temperature measuring unit    -   71, 81 communication unit    -   82 communication antenna    -   101 bus    -   102 CPU    -   103 ROM    -   104 RAM    -   105 hard disk    -   106 output unit    -   107 input unit    -   108 communication unit    -   109 drive    -   110 input/output interface    -   111 removable recording medium

1. (canceled)
 2. A power transmitting device comprising: quality factormeasuring circuitry configured to electronically calculate a qualityfactor of a resonance circuit circuitry prior to a wireless powertransfer, the power transmitting device is configured to receive a firstthreshold prior to the wireless power transfer; efficiency measuringcircuitry configured to electronically calculate a power loss based onan amount of power transmitted by the power transmitting device duringthe wireless power transfer and an amount of the power received by apower receiving device, the power transmitting device is configured totransmit the power wirelessly to the power receiving device during thewireless power transfer; and foreign object detection circuitryconfigured to electronically compare the first threshold with thequality factor in a manner that detects a presence of a foreign objectand an absence of the foreign object, the foreign object detectioncircuitry is configured to electronically compare a second thresholdwith the power loss in a manner that detects the presence of the foreignobject and the absence of the foreign object.
 3. The power transmittingdevice according to claim 2, wherein the power loss indicates an amountof the power that has been lost during the wireless power transfer. 4.The power transmitting device according to claim 2, wherein the powertransmitting device is configured to perform the wireless power transferto the power device when the quality factor is not less than the firstthreshold.
 5. The power transmitting device according to claim 2,wherein the power transmitting device is configured to terminate thewireless power transfer when the power loss is not higher than thesecond threshold.
 6. The power transmitting device according to claim 2,wherein the power transmitting device is configured to perform aninitial power transfer to the power receiving device before the foreignobject detection circuitry electronically compares the first thresholdwith the quality factor.
 7. The power transmitting device according toclaim 2, wherein the foreign object detection circuitry is configured toelectronically compare the second threshold with the power loss whilethe power receiving device is providing power to a load.
 8. The powertransmitting device according to claim 2, wherein the power transmittingdevice is configured to perform the wireless power transfer based on aresult of a comparison by the foreign object detection circuitry of thefirst threshold with the quality factor.
 9. The power transmittingdevice according to claim 2, wherein the power transmitting device isconfigured to control the wireless power transfer based on a result of acomparison by the foreign object detection circuitry of the secondthreshold with the power loss.
 10. The power transmitting deviceaccording to claim 2, wherein the power transmitting device isconfigured to terminate the wireless power transfer based on a result ofa comparison by the foreign object detection circuitry of the secondthreshold with the power loss.